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Published by lonerman &C!-7une fi.it 



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OTHER POEMS, 



BY THE LATE MRS. HENRY TIGHE. 



THE FIFTH EDITION. 



LONDON: 

PRINTED FOR LONGMAN, HURST, REES, ORME, AND BROWN, 
PATERNOSTER-ROW. 



1816. 









T. Davison, Lombard-street, 
Whitefriars, London. 



TO THE READER. 



To possess strong feelings and amiable 
affections, and to express them with a nice 
discrimination, has been the attribute of 
many female writers ; some of whom have 
also participated with the author of Psyche 
in the unhappy lot of a suffering frame and 
a premature death. Had the publication 
of her poems served only as the fleeting re- 
cord of such a destiny, and as a monument 



IV 



of private regret, her friends would not have 
thought themselves justified in displaying 
them to the world. But when a writer in- 
timately acquainted with classical litera- 
ture, and guided by a taste for real excel- 
lence, has delivered in polished language 
such sentiments as can tend only to encou- 
rage and improve the best sensations of the 
human heart, then it becomes a sort of 
duty in surviving friends no longer to with- 
hold from the public such precious relics. 

The copies of Psyche printed for the 
author in her lifetime were borrowed with 
avidity, and read with delight ; and the 
partiality of friends has been already out- 
stripped by the applause of admirers. 



The smaller poems which complete this 
volume may perhaps stand in need of that 
indulgence which a posthumous work al- 
ways demands when it did not receive the 
correction of the author. They have been 
selected from a larger number of poems, 
which were the occasional effusion of her 
thoughts, or productions of her leisure, but 
not originally intended or pointed out by 
herself for publication. 



i$m¥> 



OR, 



THE LEGEND OF LOVE. 



■ Castos docet et pios amores. 

Martial, 



PREFACE 



TO THE 



COPIES OF PSYCHE WHICH WERE PRINTED IN 1805. 



The author, who dismisses to the public 
the darling object of his solitary cares, must 
be prepared to consider, with some degree 
of indifference, the various reception it may 
then meet. But from those who write only 
for the more interested eye of friendship, 



no such indifference can be expected. I 
may therefore be forgiven the egotism which 
makes me anxious to recommend to my 
readers the tale with which I present them, 
while I endeavour to excuse in it all other 
defects but that, which I fear cannot be 
excused — the deficiency of genius. 

In making choice of the beautiful ancient 
allegory of Love and the Soul, I had some 
fears lest my subject might be condemned 
by the frown of severer moralists ; however, 
I hope that if such have the condescension 
to read through a poem which they may 
perhaps think too long, they will yet do 
me the justice to allow, that I have only 
pictured, innocent love, such love as the 



XI 



purest bosom might confess. M Les jeunes 
femmes, qui ne veulent point paroitre co- 
quettes, ne doivent jamais parler de Tamour 
comme d'une chose ou elles puissent avoir 
part/' says La Rochefoucault; but I be- 
lieve it is only the false refinement of the 
most profligate court which could give birth 
to such a sentiment, and that love will al- 
ways be found to have had the strongest 
influence where the morals have been the 
purest. 

I much regret that I can have no hope 
of affording any pleasure to some, whose 
opinion I highly respect, whom I have heard 
profess themselves ever disgusted by the 
veiled form of allegory, and yet 



Xll 



Are not the choicest fables of the poets, 

Who were the fountains and first springs of wisdom, 

Wrapt in perplexed allegories ? 



But if I have not been able to resist the 
seductions of the mysterious fair, who per- 
haps never appears captivating except in 
the eyes of her own poet, I have however 
remembered that my verse cannot be worth 
much consideration, and have therefore en- 
deavoured to let my meaning be perfectly 
obvious. The same reason has deterred 
me from using the obsolete words which are 
to be found in Spenser and his imitators. 

Although I cannot give up the excellence 
of my subject, I am yet ready to own that 



Xlll 



the stanza which I have chosen has many 
disadvantages, and that it may, perhaps, 
be as tiresome to the reader as it was dif- 
ficult to the author. The frequent recur- 
rence of the same rhymes is by no means 
well adapted to the English language ; and 
I know not whether I have a right to offer 
as an apology the restraint which I had im- 
posed upon myself of strictly adhering to 
the stanza which my partiality for Spenser 
first inclined me to adopt. 

The loves of Cupid and Psyche have 
long been a favourite subject for poetical 
allusion, and are well known as related by 
Apuleius : to him I am indebted for the 
outline of my tale in the two first cantos ; 



XIV 



but even there the model is not closely 
copied, and I have taken nothing from Mo- 
liere, LaFontaine,DuMoustier, or Marino. 
I have seen no imitations of Apuleius except 
by those authors ; nor do I know that the 
story of Psyche has any other original. 

I should willingly acknowledge with gra- 
titude those authors who have, perhaps, 
supplied me with many expressions and 
ideas; but if I have subjected myself to the 
charge of plagiarism, it has been by adopt- 
ing the words or images which floated upon 
my mind, without accurately examining, 
or being indeed able to distinguish, whe- 
ther I owed them to my memory or my 
imagination. 



XV 



Si id est peccatum, peccatum imprudentia est 
Poetae, non qui furtum facere studuerit. 

Terentius. 

And when I confess that all I have is 
but the fruit of a much indulged taste for 
that particular style of reading, let me be 
excused if I do not investigate and acknow- 
ledge more strictly each separate obliga- 
tion. 

m*t. 



SONNET 



ADDRESSED 



TO MY MOTHER. 



Oh, thou ! whose tender smile most partially 
Hath ever blessed thy child : to thee belong 
The graces which adorn my first wild song, 

If aught of grace it knows : nor thou deny 

Thine ever prompt attention to supply. 
But let me lead thy willing ear along, 
Where virtuous love still bids the strain prolong 

His innocent applause ; since from thine eye 

The beams of love first charmed my infant breast, 

And from thy lip Affection's soothing voice 
That eloquence of tenderness expressed, 

Which still my grateful heart confessed divine : 

Oh ! ever may its accents sweet rejoice 

The soul which loves to own whate'er it has is thine ! 



Chi pensa quanto un bel desio cTamore 
Un spirto pellegrin tenga sublime ; 
Non vorria non averne acceso il core ; 

Chi gusta quanto dolce il creder sia 
Solo esser caro a chi sola n 1 e cara, 

Regna in un stato a cui null 1 altro e pria. 

Ariosto, Eleg. xii. 



$0£dje* 



ARGUMENT. 

Proem — Psyche introduced — Her royal origin — Envy 
of Venus — Her instructions to Cupid — The island of 
Pleasure — The fountains of Joy and of Sorrow — The 
appearance of Love — Psyche asleep — Mutually wound- 
ed — Psyche reveals her dream to her Mother — The 
Oracle consulted — Psyche abandoned on the Rock by 
its decree — Carried by Zephyrs to the island of Plea- 
sure — The Palace of hove — Banquet of Love — Mar- 
riage of Cupid and Psyche — Psyche's daily solitude 
— Her request to her Lover — His reluctant consent. 



$$2$e* 



•Lit not the rugged brow the rhymes accuse, 
Which speak of gentle knights and ladies fair, 
Nor scorn the lighter labours of the muse, 
Who yet, for cruel battles would not dare 
The low-strung chords of her weak lyre prepare ; 
But loves to court repose in slumbery lay, 
To tell of goodly bowers and gardens rare, 
Of gentle blandishments and amorous play, 
And all the lore of love, in courtly verse essay. 



And ye whose gentle hearts in thraldom held 
The power of mighty Love already own, 
When you the pains and dangers have beheld, 
Which erst your lord hath for his Psyche known, 
For all your sorrows this may well atone, 
That he you serve the same hath suffered ; 
And sure, your fond applause the tale will crown 
In which your own distress is pictured, 
And all that weary way which you yourselves must tread. 



Most sweet would to my soul the hope appear, 
That sorrow in my verse a charm might find, 
To smooth the brow long bent with bitter cheer, 
Some short distraction to the joyless mind 
Which grief, with heavy chain, hath fast confined 
To sad remembrance of its happier state ; 
For to myself I ask no boon more kind 
Than power another's woes to mitigate, 
And that soft soothing art which anguish can abate. 



And thou, sweet sprite, whose sway doth far extend, 
Smile on the mean historian of thy fame ! 
My heart in each distress and fear befriend, 
Nor ever let it feel a fiercer flame 
Than innocence may cherish free from blame, 
And hope may nurse, and sympathy may own ; 
For, as thy rights I never would disclaim, 
But true allegiance offered to thy throne, 
So may I love but one, by one beloved alone. 



That anxious torture may I never feel, 
Which, doubtful, watches o'er a wandering heart. 
Oh ! who that bitter torment can reveal, 
Or tell the pining anguish of that smart ! 
In those affections may I ne'er have part, 
Which easily transferred can learn to rove : 
No, dearest Cupid ! when I feel thy dart, 
For thy sweet Psyche's sake may no false love 
The tenderness I prize lightly from me remove ! 



CANTO I. 



Much wearied with her long and dreary way, 
And now with toil and sorrow well nigh spent, 
Of sad regret and wasting grief the prey, 
Fair Psyche through untrodden forests went, 
To lone shades uttering oft a vain lament. 
And oft in hopeless silence sighing deep, 
As she her fatal error did repent, 
While dear remembrance bade her ever weep, 
And her pale cheek in ceaseless showers of sorrow steep. 



10 



'Mid the thick covert of that woodland shade, 
A flowery bank there lay undressed by art, 
But of the mossy turf spontaneous made ; 
Here the young branches shot their arms athwart, 
And wove the bower so thick in every part, 
That the fierce beams of Phoebus glancing strong 
Could never through the leaves their fury dart ; 
But the sweet creeping shrubs that round it throng, 
Their loving fragrance mix, and trail their flowers along. 



And close beside a little fountain played, 
Which through the trembling leaves all joyous shone, 
And with the cheerful birds sweet music made, 
Kissing the surface of each polished stone 
As it flowed past : sure as her favourite throne 
Tranquillity might well esteem the bower, 
The fresh and cool retreat have called her own, 
A pleasant shelter in the sultry hour, 
A refuge from the blast, and angry tempest's power. 



11 



Wooed by the soothing silence of ne scene, 
Here Psyche stood, and looking round, lest aught 
Which threatened danger near her might have been, 
A while to rest her in that quiet spot 
She laid her down, and piteously bethought 
Herself on the sad changes of her fate, 
Which in so short a space so much had wrought, 
And now had raised her to such high estate, 
And now had plunged her low in sorrow desolate. 



Oh ! how refreshing seemed the breathing wind 
To her faint limbs ! and while her snowy hands 
From her fair brow her golden hair unbind, 
And of her zone unloose the silken bands, 
More passing bright unveiled her beauty stands ; 
For faultless was her form as beauty's queen, 
And every winning grace that Love demands, 
With mild attempered dignity was seen 
Play o'er each lovely limb, and deck her angel mien. 



12 



Though solitary now, dismayed, forlorn, 
Without attendant through the forest rude, 
The peerless maid, of royal lineage born, 
By many a royal youth had oft been wooed ; 
Low at her feet full many a prince had sued, 
And homage paid unto her beauty rare ; 
But all their blandishments her heart withstood ; 
And well might mortal suitor sure despair, 
Since mortal charms were none which might with hers 
compare. 



Yet nought of insolence or haughty pride 
Found ever in her gentle breast a place ; 
Though men her wondrous beauty deified, 
And rashly deeming such celestial grace 
Could never spring from any earthly race, 
Lo ! all forsaking Cytherea's shrine, 
Her sacred altars now no more embrace, 
But to fair Psyche pay those rites divine, 
Which, Goddess ! are thy due, and should be only thine. 



13 



But envy of her beauty's growing fame 
Poisoned her sisters' hearts with secret gall, 
And oft with seeming piety they blame 
The worship which they justly impious call ; 
And oft, lest evil should their sire befal, 
Besought him to forbid the erring crowd 
Which hourly thronged around the regal hall, 
With incense, gifts, and invocations loud, 
To her whose guiltless breast ne'er felt elation proud. 



For she was timid as the wintry flower, 
That, whiter than the snow it blooms among, 
Droops its fair head submissive to the power 
Of every angry blast which sweeps along, 
Sparing the lovely trembler, while the strong 
Majestic tenants of the leafless wood 
It levels low. But, ah ! the pitying song 
Must tell how, than the tempest's self more rude, 
Fierce wrath and cruel hate their suppliant prey pursued. 



14 



Indignant quitting her deserted fanes, 
Now Cytherea sought her favourite isle, 
And there from every eye her secret pains 
'Mid her thick myrtle bowers concealed a while ; 
Practised no more the glance, or witching smile, 
But nursed the pang she never felt before, 
Of mortified disdain ; then to beguile 
The hours which mortal flattery soothed no more, 
She various plans revolved her influence to restore. 



She called her son with unaccustomed voice ; 
Not with those thrilling accents of delight 
Which bade so oft enchanted Love rejoice, 
Soft as the breezes of a summer's night : 
Now choked with rage its change could Love affright ; 
As all to sudden discontent a prey, 
Shunning the cheerful day's enlivening light, 
She felt the angry power's malignant sway, 
And bade her favourite boy her vengeful will obey. 



15 



Bathed in those tears which vanquish human hearts. 
" Oh, son beloved !" (the suppliant goddess cried,) 
" If e'er thy too indulgent mother's arts 
" Subdued for thee the potent deities 
" Who rule my native deep, or haunt the skies ; 
i( Or if to me the grateful praise be due, 
" That to thy sceptre bow the great and wise, 
" Now let thy fierce revenge my foe pursue, 
" And let my rival scorned her vain presumption jue. 



u For what to me avaik my former boast 

" That, fairer than the wife of Jove confest, 

" I gained the prize thus basely to be lost ? 

" With me the world's devotion to contest 

" Behold a mortal dares ; though on my breast 

" Still vainly brilliant shines the magic zone. 

" Yet, yet I reign : by you my wrongs redrest, 

66 The world with humbled Psyche soon shall own 

That Venus, beauty's queen, shall be adored alone. 



16 



" Deep let her drink of that dark, bitter spring, 
" Which flows so near thy bright and crystal tide ; 
ie Deep let her heart thy sharpest arrow sting, 
" Its tempered barb in that black poison dyed. 
" Let her, for whom contending princes sighed, 
" Feel all the fury of thy fiercest flame 
" For some base wretch to foul disgrace allied, 
« Forgetful of her birth and her fair fame, 
" Her honours all defiled, and sacrificed to shame." 



Then, with sweet pressure of her rosy lip, 
A kiss she gave bathed in ambrosial dew ; 
The thrilling joy he would for ever sip, 
And his moist eyes in ecstasy imbrue. 
But she whose soul still angry cares pursue, 
Snatched from the soft caress her glowing charms ; 
Her vengeful will she then enforced anew, 
As she in haste dismissed, him from her arms, 
The cruel draught to seek of anguish and alarms. 



17 



''Mid the blue waves by circling seas embraced 
A chosen spot of fairest land was seen ; 
For there with favouring hand had Nature placed 
All that could lovely make the varied scene : 
Eternal Spring there spread her mantle green ; 
There high surrounding hills deep- wooded rose 
O'er placid lakes ; while marble rocks between 
The fragrant shrubs their pointed heads disclose, 
And balmy breathes each gale which o'er the island blows. 



Pleasure had called the fertile lawns her own, 
And thickly strewed them with her choicest flowers ; 
Amid the quiet glade her golden throne 
Bright shone with lustre through o'erarching bowers 
There her fair train, the ever-downy Hours, 
Sport on light wing with the young Joys entwined ; 
While Hope delighted from her full lap showers 
Blossoms, whose fragrance can the ravished mind 
Inebriate with dreams of rapture unconfined. 



18 



And in the grassy centre of the isle. 
Where the thick verdure spreads a damper shade. 
Amid their native rocks concealed a while, 
Then o'er the plains in devious streams displayed,, 
Two gushing fountains rise; and thence conveyed, 
Their waters through the woods and vallies play, 
Visit each green recess and secret glade, 
With still unmingled, still meandering way, 
Nor widely wandering far, can each from other stray. 



But of strange contrast are their virtues found, 
And oft the lady of that isle has tried 
In rocky dens and caverns under ground, 
The black deformed stream in vain to hide; 
Bursting all bounds her labours it defied; 
Yet many a flowery sod its course conceals 
Through plains where deep its silent waters glide, 
Till secret ruin all corroding steals, 
And every treacherous arch the hideous gulph reveals. 



19 



Forbidding every kindly prosperous growth^ 
Where'er it ran, a channel bleak it wore ; 
The gaping banks receded, as though loth 
To touch the poison which disgraced their shore : 
There deadly anguish pours unmixed his store 
Of all the ills which sting the human breast, 
The hopeless tears which past delights deplore, 
Heart-gnawing jealousy which knows no rest, 
And self-upbraiding shame, by stern remorse opprest. 



Oh, how unlike the pure transparent stream, 
Which near it bubbles o'er its golden sands I 
The impeding stones with pleasant music seem 
Its progress to detain from other lands ; 
And all its banks, inwreathed with flowery bands, 
Ambrosial fragrance shed in grateful dew : 
There young Desire enchanted ever stands, 
Breathing delight and fragrance ever new, 
And bathed in constant joys of fond aifection true. 



20 



But not to mortals is it e'er allowed 
To drink unmingled of that current bright ; 
Scarce can they taste the pleasurable flood, 
Defiled by angry Fortune's envious spite ; 
Who from the cup of amorous delight 
Dashes the sparkling draught of brilliant joy, 
Till, with dull sorrow's stream despoiled quite, 
No more it cheers the soul nor charms the eye, 
But 'mid the poisoned bowl distrust and anguish lie. 



Here Cupid tempers his unerring darts, 
And in the fount of bliss delights to play ; 
Here mingles balmy sighs and pleasing smarts, 
And here the honied draught will oft allay 
With that black poison's all-polluting sway, 
For wretched man. Hither, as Venus willed, 
For Psyche's punishment he bent his way: 
From either stream his amber vase he filled, 
For her were meant the drops which grief alone distilled. 



21 



His quiver, sparkling bright with gems and gold, 
From his fair plumed shoulder graceful hung, 
And from its top in brilliant chords enrolled 
Each little vase resplendently was slung: 
Still as he flew, around him sportive clung 
His frolic train of winged Zephyrs light, 
Wafting the fragrance which his tresses flung : 
While odours dropped from every ringlet bright, 
And from his blue eyes beamed ineffable delight. 



Wrapt in a cloud unseen by mortal eye, 
He sought the chamber of the royal maid ; 
There, lulled by careless soft security, 
Of the impending mischief nought afraid, 
Upon her purple couch was Psyche laid, 
Her radiant eyes a downy slumber sealed ; 
In light transparent veil alone arrayed, 
Her bosom's opening charms were half revealed, 
And scarce the lucid folds her polished limbs concealed. 



22 



A placid smile plays o'er each roseate lip, 
Sweet severed lips ! while thus your pearls disclose, 
That slumbering thus unconscious she may sip 
The cruel presage of her future woes ! 
Lightly, as fall the dews upon the rose, 
Upon the coral gates of that sweet cell 
The fatal drops he pours ; nor yet he knows, 
Nor, though a God, can he presaging tell 
How he himself shall mourn the ills of that sad spell ! 



Nor yet content, he from his quiver drew, 
Sharpened with skill divine, a shining dart : 
No need had he for bow, since thus too true 
His hand might wound her all-exposed heart ; 
Yet her fair side he touched with gentlest art, 
And half relenting on her beauties gazed ; 
Just then awaking with a sudden start 
Her opening eye in humid lustre blazed, 
Unseen he still remained, enchanted and amazed. 



23 



The dart which in his hand now trembling stood; 
As o'er the couch he bent with ravished eye, 
Drew with its daring point celestial blood 
From his smooth neck's unblemished ivory : 
Heedless of this, but with a pitying sigh 
The evil done now anxious to repair, 
He shed in haste the balmy drops of joy 
O'er all the silky ringlets of her hair ; 
Then stretched his plumes divine, and breathed celestial 
air. 



Unhappy Psyche ! soon the latent wound 
The fading roses of her cheek confess, 
Her eyes' bright beams, in swimming sorrows drowned. 
Sparkle no more with life and happiness 
Her parents fond exulting heart to bless ; 
She shuns adoring crowds, and seeks to hide 
The pining sorrows which her soul oppress, 
Till to her mother's tears no more denied, 
The secret grief she owns, for which she lingering sighed. 



24 



A dream of mingled terror and delight 
Still heavy hangs upon her troubled soul, 
An angry form still swims before her sight, 
And still the vengeful thunders seem to roll ; 
Still crushed to earth she feels the stern control 
Of Venus unrelenting, unappeased : 
The dream returns, she feels the fancied dole ; 
Once more the furies on her heart have seized, 
But still she views the youth who all her sufferings eased. 



Of wonderous beauty did the vision seem, 
And in the freshest prime of youthful years ; 
Such at the close of her distressful dream 
A graceful champion to her eyes appears ; 
Her loved deliverer from her foes and fears 
She seems in grateful transport still to press ; 
Still his soft voice sounds in her ravished ears ; 
Dissolved in fondest tears of tenderness 
His form she oft invokes her waking eyes to bless. 



25 



Nor was it quite a dream, for as she woke, 
Ere heavenly mists concealed him from her eye, 
One sudden transitory view she took 
Of Love's most radiant bright divinity ; 
From the fair image never can she fly, 
As still consumed with vain desire she pines ; 
While her fond parents heave the anxious sigh, 
And to avert her fate seek holy shrines 
The threatened ills to learn by auguries and signs. 



And now, the royal sacrifice prepared, 
The milk-white bull they to the altar lead, 
Whose youth the galling yoke as yet had spared, 
Now destined by the sacred knife to bleed : 
When lo ! with sudden spring his horns he freed, 
And head-long rushed amid the frighted throng : 
While from the smoke-veiled shrine such sounds 

proceed 
As well might strike with awe the soul most strong ; 
And thus divinely spoke the heaven-inspired tongue. 



26 



" On nuptial couch, in nuptial vest arrayed, 
" On a tall rock's high summit Psyche place : 
" Let all depart, and leave the fated maid 
" Who never must a mortal Hymen grace : 
" A winged monster of no earthly race 
" Thence soon shall bear his trembling bride away; 
" His power extends o'er all the bounds of space, 
" And Jove himself has owned his dreaded sway, 
" Whose flaming breath sheds fire, whom earth and 
heaven obey." 



With terror, anguish, and astonishment 
The oracle her wretched father hears ; 
Now from his brow the regal honours rent, 
And now in frantic sorrow wild appears, 
Nor threatened plagues, nor punishment he fears, 
Refusing long the sentence to obey, 
Till Psyche, trembling with submissive tears, 
Bids them the sacrifice no more delay, 
Prepare the funeral couch, and leave the destined prey. 



27 



Pleased by the ambiguous doom the Fates promulge., 
The angry Goddess and enamoured Boy 
Alike content their various hopes indulge ; 
He, still exploring with an anxious eye 
*The future prospect of uncertain joy, 
Plans how the tender object of his care 
He may protect from threatened misery ; 
Ah, sanguine Love ! so oft deceived, forbear 
With flattering tints to paint illusive hope so fair. 



But now what lamentations rend the skies ! 
In amaracine wreaths the virgin choir 
With Io Hymen mingle funeral cries : 
Lost in the sorrows of the Lydian lyre 
The breathing flutes' melodious notes expire ; 
In sad procession pass the mournful throng, 
Extinguishing with tears the torches' fire, 
While the mute victim weeping crowds among, 
By unknown fears oppressed, moves silently along. 



28 



But on such scenes of terror and dismay 
The mournful Muse delights not long to dwell ; 
She quits well pleased the melancholy lay, 
Nor vainly seeks the parents' woes to tell : 
But what to wondering Psyche then befel 
When thus abandoned, let her rather say, 
Who shuddering looks to see some monster fell 
Approach the desert rock to seize his prey, 
With cruel fangs devour, or tear her thence away. 



When lo ! a gentle breeze began to rise, 
Breathed by obedient Zephyrs round the maid, 
Fanning her bosom with its softest sighs 
A while among her fluttering robes it strayed, 
And boldly sportive latent charms displayed : 
And then, as Cupid willed, with tenderest care 
From the tall rock, where weeping she was laid, 
With gliding motion through the yielding air 
To Pleasure's blooming isle their lovely charge they bear. 



29 



On the green bosom of the turf reclined, 
They lightly now the astonished virgin lay, 
To placid rest they sooth her troubled mind ; 
Around her still with watchful care they stay, 
Around her still in quiet whispers play; 
Till lulling slumbers bid her eyelids close, 
Veiling with silky fringe each brilliant ray, 
While soft tranquillity divinely flows 
O'er all her soul serene, in visions of repose. 



Refreshed she rose, and all enchanted gazed 
On the rare beauties of the pleasant scene. 
Conspicuous far a lofty palace blazed 
Upon a sloping bank of softest green ; 
A fairer edifice was never seen ; 
The high-ranged columns own no mortal hand, 
But seem a temple meet for Beauty's queen. 
Like polished snow the marble pillars stand 
In grace-attempered majesty sublimely grand. 



30 



Gently ascending from a silvery flood, 
Above the palace rose the shaded hill, 
The lofty eminence was crowned with wood, 
And the rich lawns, adorned by Nature's skill, 
The passing breezes with their odours fill ; 
Here ever-blooming groves of orange glow, 
And here all flowers which from their leaves distil 
Ambrosial dew in sweet succession blow, 
And trees of matchless size a fragrant shade bestow. 



The sun looks glorious 'mid a sky serene, 
And bids bright lustre sparkle o'er the tide ; 
The clear blue ocean at a distance seen 
Bounds the gay landscape on the western side, 
While closing round it with majestic pride, 
The lofty rocks 'mid citron groves arise ; 
" Sure some divinity must here reside," 
As tranced in some bright vision, Psyche cries, 
And scarce believes the bliss, or trusts her charmed eyes. 



31 



When lo ! a voice divinely sweet she hears, 
From unseen lips proceeds the heavenly sound ; 
" Psyche, approach, dismiss thy timid fears, 
" At length his bride thy longing spouse has found, 
" And bids for thee immortal joys abound; 
u For thee the palace rose at his command, 
" For thee his love a bridal banquet crowned ; 
" He bids attendant nymphs around thee stand 
" Prompt every wish to serve, a fond obedient band." 



Increasing wonder filled her ravished soul, 
For now the pompous portals opened wide, 
There, pausing oft, with timid foot she stole 
Through halls high domed, enriched with sculptured 

pride, 
While gay saloons appeared on either side, 
In splendid vista opening to her sight ; 
.And all with precious gems so beautified, 
And furnished with such exquisite delight, 
That scarce the beams of heaven emit such lustre bright. 



32 



The amethyst was there of violet hue, 
And there the topaz shed its golden ray, 
The chrysoberyl, and the sapphire blue 
As the clear azure of a sunny day, 
Or the mild eyes where amorous glances play; 
The snow-white jasper, and the opal's flame, 
The blushing ruby, and the agate grey, 
And there the gem which bears his luckless name 
Whose death by Phoebus mourned ensured him death- 
less fame. 



There the green emerald, there cornelians glow, 
And rich carbuncles pour eternal light, 
With all that India and Peru can shew, 
Or Labrador can give so flaming bright 
To the charmed mariner's half-dazzled sight : 
The coral-paved baths with diamonds blaze : 
And all that can the female heart delight 
Of fair attire, the last recess displays, 
And all that Luxury can ask, her eye surveys. 



33 



Now through the hall melodious music stole, 
And self-prepared the splendid banquet stands, 
Self-poured the nectar sparkles in the bowl, 
The lute and viol touched by unseen hands 
Aid the soft voices of the choral bands ; 
O'er the full board a brighter lustre beams 
Than Persia's monarch at his feast commands : 
For sweet refreshment all inviting seems 
To taste celestial food, and pure ambrosial streams. 



But when meek Eve hung out her dewy star, 
And gently veiled with gradual hand the sky, 
Lo ! the bright folding doors retiring far, 
Display to Psyche's captivated eye 
All that voluptuous ease could e'er supply 
To sooth the spirits in serene repose : 
Beneath the velvet's purple canopy 
Divinely formed a downy couch arose, 
While alabaster lamps a milky light disclose. 



34 



Once more she hears the hymeneal strain ; 
Far other voices now attune the lay ; 
The swelling sounds approach, a while remain, 
And then retiring faint dissolved away : 
The expiring lamps emit a feebler ray, 
And soon in fragrant death extinguished lie : 
Then virgin terrors Psyche's soul dismay, 
When through the obscuring gloom she nought can spy, 
But softly rustling sounds declare some Being nigh. 



Oh, you for whom I write ! whose hearts can melt 
At the soft thrilling voice whose power you prove, 
You know what charm, unutterably felt, 
Attends the unexpected voice of Love : 
Above the lyre, the lute's soft notes above. 
With sweet enchantment to the soul it steals, 
And bears it to Elysium's happy grove ; 
You best can tell the rapture Psyche feels 
When Love's ambrosial lip the vows of Hymen seals. 



35 



" 'Tis he, 'tis my deliverer ! deep imprest 
" Upon my heart those sounds I well recal," 
The blushing maid exclaimed, and on his breast 
A tear of trembling ecstasy let fall. 
But, ere the breezes of the morning call 
Aurora from her purple, humid bed, 
Psyche in vain explores the vacant hall, 
Her tender lover from her arms is fled, 
While sleep his downy wings had o'er her eye-lids spread. 



Again the band invisible attend, 
And female voices sooth the mournful bride ; 
Light hands to braid her hair assistance lend, 
By some she sees the glowing bracelet tied, 
Others officious hover at her side, 
And each bright gem for her acceptance bring, 
While some, the balmy air diffusing wide, 
Fan softer perfumes from each odorous wing 
Than the fresh bosom sheds of earliest, sweetest spring. 



36 



With songs divine her anxious soul they cheer, 
And woo her footsteps to delicious bowers, 
They bid the fruit more exquisite appear 
Which at her feet its bright profusion showers : 
For her they cull unknown, celestial flowers ; 
The gilded car they bid her fearless guide, 
Which at her wish self-moved with wondrous powers 
The rapid bird's velocity defied, 
While round the blooming isle it rolled with circuit wide. 



Again they spread the feast, they strike the lyre, 
But to her frequent questions nought reply, 
Her lips in vain her lover's name require, 
Or wherefore thus concealed he shuns her eye. 
But when reluctant twilight veils the sky, 
And each pale lamp successively expires ; 
Again she trembling hears the voice of joy, 
Her spouse a tender confidence inspires, 
But with a fond embrace ere dawn again retires. 



37 



To charm the languid hours of solitude 
He oft invites her to the Muse's lore, 
For none have vainly e'er the Muse pursued, 
And those whom she delights, regret no more 
The social, joyous hours, while rapt they soar 
To worlds unknown, and live in fancy's dream 
Oh, Muse divine ! thee only I implore, 
Shed on my soul thy sweet inspiring beams, 
And pleasure's gayest scene insipid folly seems ! 



Silence and solitude the Muses love, 
And whom they charm they can alone suffice ;_ 
Nor ever tedious hour their votaries prove: 
This solace now the lonely Psyche tries, 
Or, while her hand the curious needle plies, 
She learns from lips unseen celestial strains ; 
Responsive now with their soft voice she vies, 
Or bids her plaintive harp express the pains 
Which absence sore inflicts where Love all potent reigns, 



38 



But melancholy poisons all her joys, 
And secret sorrows all her hopes depress, 
Consuming languor every bliss destroys, 
And sad she droops repining, comfortless. 
Her tender lover well the cause can guess, 
And sees too plain inevitable fate 
Pursue her to the bowers of happiness. 
" Oh, Psyche ! most beloved, ere yet too late, 
" Dread the impending ills and prize thy tranquil state. 



In vain his weeping love he thus advised ; 
She longs to meet a parent's sweet embrace, 
" Oh, were their sorrowing hearts at least apprised 
" How Psyche's wondrous lot all fears may chase ; 
" For whom thy love prepared so fair a place ! 
" Let but my bliss their fond complaints repress, 
" Let me but once behold a mother's face, 
" Oh, spouse adored ! and in full happiness 
" This love-contented heart its solitude shall bless. 



39 



" Oh, by those beauties I must ne'er behold ! 
" The spicy-scented ringlets of thine hair : 
" By that soft neck my loving arms enfold, 
" Crown with a kind consent thy Psyche's prayer ! 
u Their dear embrace, their blessing let me share ; 
" So shall I stain our couch with tears no more : 
" But, blest in thee, resign each other care, 
w Nor seek again thy secret to explore, 
" Which yet, denied thy sight, I ever must deplore." 



Unable to resist her fond request, 
Reluctant Cupid thus at last complied, 
And sighing clasped her closer to his breast. 
" Go then, my Psyche ! go, my lovely bride ! 
" But let me in thy faith at least confide, 
66 That by no subtle, impious arts betrayed, 
" Which, ah ! too well I know will all be tried, 
" Thy simply trusting heart shall e'er be swayed 
" The secret veil to rend which fate thy screen hath made. 



40 



" For danger hovers o'er thy smiling days, 
" One only way to shield thee yet I know ; 
" Unseen, I may securely guard thy ways, 
" And save thee from the threatened storm of woe ; 
" But forced, if known, my Psyche to forego, 
" Thou never, never must again be mine ! 
" What mutual sorrows hence must ceaseless flow I 
" Compelled thy dear embraces to resign, 
" While thou to anguish doomed for lost delights shalt 
pine. 



" Solace thy mind with hopes of future joy ! 
" In a dear infant thou shalt see my face ; 
" Blest mother soon of an immortal boy, 
" In him his father's features thou shalt trace ! 
" Yet go ! for thou art free, the bounds of space 
" Are none for thee : attendant Zephyrs stay, 
" Speak but thy will, and to the wished-for place 
" Their lovely mistress swift they shall convey : 
" Yet hither, ah ! return, ere fades the festive day. w 



41 



" Light of my soul, far dearer than the dayj" 
(Exulting Psyche cries in grateful joy) 
" Me all the bliss of earth could ill repay 
" For thy most sweet, divine society ; 
" To thee again with rapture will I fly, 
" Nor with less pleasure hail the star of eve 
" Than when in tedious solitude I sigh ; 
" My vows of silent confidence believe, 
" Nor think thy Psyche's faith will e'er thy love deceive." 



Her suit obtained, in full contentment blest, 
Her eyes at length in placid slumbers close. 
Sleep, hapless fair ! sleep on thy lover's breast ! 
Ah, not again to taste such pure repose ! 
Till thy sad heart by long experience knows 
How much they err, who, to their interest blind, 
Slight the calm peace which from retirement flows ! 
And while they think their fleeting joys to bind, 
Banish the tranquil bliss which heaven for man designed ! 



CANTO II 



ARGUMENT. 

Introduction — Dangers of the World — Psyche conveyed by 
Zephyrs awakes once more in the paternal mansion — Envy 
of her Sisters — They plot her ruin — Inspire her with suspicion 
and terror — Psyche* s return to the Palace of Love— Her 
disobedience — Love asleep — Psyche's amazement — The flight 
of Love — Sudden banishment of Psyche from the island of 
Pleasure — Her lamentations — Comforted by Love — Temple 
of Venus— TasJc imposed on Psyche conditional to her re- 
conciliation voith Venus — Psyche soothed and attended by 
Innocence— Psyche wandering as described in tlie opening 
of the first Canto. 



CANTO II. 



Oh happy you ! who, blest with present bliss, 
See not with fatal prescience future tears, 
Nor the dear moment of enjoyment miss 
Through gloomy discontent, or sullen fears 
Foreboding many a storm for coming years ; 
Change is the lot of all. Ourselves with scorn 
Perhaps shall view what now so fair appears; 
And wonder whence the fancied charm was born 
Which now with vain despair from our fond grasp is torn ! 



46 



Vain schemer, think not to prolong thy joy ! 
But cherish while it lasts the heavenly boon ; 
Expand thy sails ! thy little bark shall fly 
With the full tide of pleasure ! though it soon 
May feel the influence of the changeful moon, 
It yet is thine ! then let not doubts obscure 
With cloudy vapours veil thy brilliant noon, 
Nor let suspicion's tainted breath impure 
Poison the favouring gale which speeds thy course 
secure ! 



Oh, Psyche, happy in thine ignorance ! 
Couldst thou but shun this heart-tormenting bane ; 
Be but content, nor daringly advance 
To meet the bitter hour of threatened pain ; 
Pure spotless dove ! seek thy safe nest again ; 
Let true affection shun the public eye, 
And quit the busy circle of the vain, 
For there the treacherous snares concealed he ; 
Oh timely warned escape ! to safe retirement fly ! 



47 



Bright shone the morn ! and now its golden ray 
Dispelled the slumbers from her radiant eyes, 
Yet still in dreams her fancy seems to play, 
For lo ! she sees with rapture and surprise 
Full in her view the well-known mansion rise, 
And each loved scene of first endearment hails ; 
The air that first received her infant sighs 
With wondring ecstasy she now inhales, 
While every trembling nerve soft tenderness assails. 



See from the dear pavilion, where she lay, 
Breathless she flies with scarce assured feet, 
Swift through the garden wings her eager way, 
Her mourning parents' ravished eyes to greet 
With loveliest apparition strange and sweet : 
Their days of anguish all o'erpaid they deem 
By one blest hour of ecstasy so great : 
Yet doubtingly they gaze, and anxious seem 
To ask their raptured souls, " Oh, is this all a dream ? r 



48 



The wondrous tale attentively they hear, 
Repeated oft in broken words of joy, 
She in their arms embraced, while every ear 
Hangs on their Psyche's lips, and earnestly 
On her is fixed each wonder-speaking eye ; 
Till the sad hour arrives which bids them part, 
And twilight darkens o'er the ruddy sky; 
Divinely urged they let their child depart, 
Pressed with a fond embrace to each adoring heart. 



Trusting that wedded to a spouse divine 
Secure is now their daughter's happiness, 
They half contentedly their child resign, 
Check the complaint, the rising sigh suppress, 
And wipe the silent drops of bitterness. 
Nor must she her departure more delay, 
But bids them now their weeping Psyche bless ; 
Then back to the pavilion bends her way 
Ere in the fading west quite sinks expiring day. 



49 



But, while her parents listen with delight, 
Her sisters' hearts the Furies agitate : 
They look with envy on a lot so bright, 
And all the honours of her splendid fate, 
Scorning the meanness of their humbler state ; 
And how they best her ruin may devise 
With hidden rancour much they meditate, 
Yet still they bear themselves in artful guise, 
While 'mid the feigned caress, concealed the venom lies. 



By malice urged, by ruthless envy stung, 
With secret haste to seize their prey they flew, 
Around her neck as in despair they clung; 
Her soft complying nature well they knew, 
And trusted by delaying to undo ; 
But when they found her resolute to go 9 
Their well-laid stratagem they then pursue, 
And, while they bid their treacherous sorrows flow, 
Thus fright her simple heart with images of woe. 



/ 50 

" Oh, hapless Psyche I thoughtless of thy doom I 
" Yet hear thy sisters who have wept for thee, 
" Since first a victim to thy living tomb, 
" Obedient to the oracle's decree, 
" Constrained we left thee to thy destiny. 
" Since then no comfort could our woes abate ; 
" While thou wert lulled in false security 
" We learned the secret horrors of thy fate, 
" And heard prophetic lips thy future ills relate,. 



" Yet fearing never to behold thee more, 
" Our filial care would fain the truth conceal ; 
" But from the sages' cell this ring we bore, 
" With power each latent magic to reveal : 
" Some hope from hence our anxious bosoms feel 
" That we from ruin may our Psyche save, 
" Since Heaven, propitious to our pious zeal, 
" Thee to our frequent prayers in pity gave, 
" That warned thou yet mayst shun thy sad untimely 
grave. 



51 



" Oh ! how shall we declare the fatal truth ? 
u How wound thy tender bosom with alarms ? 
" Tell how the graces of thy blooming youth, 
" Thy more than mortal, all-adored charms 
" Have lain enamoured in a sorcerer's arms ? 
" Oh, Psyche ! seize on this decisive hour, 
66 Escape the mischief of impending harms ! 
u Return no more to that enchanted bower, 
Fly the magician's arts, and dread his cruel power. 



" If, yet reluctant to forego thy love, 

" Thy furtive joys and solitary state, 

" Our fond officious care thy doubts reprove, 

" At least let some precaution guard thy fate, 

" Nor'may our warning love be prized too late ; 

46 This night thyself thou mayst convince thine eyes, 

" Hide but a lamp, and cautiously await 

" Till in deep slumber thy magician lies, 

This ring shall then disclose his foul deformities. 



52 



" That monster by the oracle foretold, 
" Whose cursed spells both gods and men must fear, 
" In his own image thou shalt then behold, 
" And shuddering hate what now is prized so dear ; 
" Yet fly not then, though loathsome he appear, 
" But let this dagger to his breast strike deep ; 
" Thy coward terrors then thou must not hear, 
" For if with life he rouses from that sleep 
" Nought then for thee remains, and we must hopeless 
weep." 



Oh ! have you seen, when in the northern sky 
The transient flame of lambent lightning plays, 
In quick succession lucid streamers fly, 
Now flashing roseate, and now milky rays, 
While struck with awe the astonished rustics 
Thus o'er her cheek the fleeting signals move, 
Now pale with fear, now glowing with the blaze 
Of much indignant, still confiding love, 
Now horror's lurid hue with shame's deep blushes strove. 



53 



On her cold, passive hand the ring they place, 
And hide the dagger in her folding vest ; 
Pleased the effects of their dire arts to trace 
In the mute agony that swells her breast, 
Already in her future ruin blest : 
Conscious that now their poor deluded prey 
Should never taste again delight or rest, 
But sickening in suspicion's gloom decay, 
Or urged by terrors rash their treacherous will obey. 



While yet irresolute with sad surprise, 
'Mid doubt and love she stands in strange suspense, 
Lo ! gliding from her sisters' wondering eyes 
Returning Zephyrs gently bear her thence ; 
Lost all her hopes, her joys, her confidence, 
Back to the earth her mournful eyes she threw, 
As if imploring pity and defence ; 
While bathed in tears her golden tresses flew, 
As in the breeze dispersed they caught the precious dew. 



54 



Illumined bright now shines the splendid dome, 
Melodious accents her arrival hail : 
But not the torches' blaze can chase the gloom, 
And all the soothing powers of music fail ; 
Trembling she seeks her couch with horror pale, 
But first a lamp conceals in secret shade, 
While unknown terrors all her soul assail. 
Thus half their treacherous counsel is obeyed, 
For still her gentle soul abhors the murderous blade. 



And now, with softest whispers of delight, 
Love welcomes Psyche still more fondly dear; 
Not unobserved, though hid in deepest night, 
The silent anguish of her secret fear. 
He thinks that tenderness excites the tear 
By the late image of her parents' grief, 
And half offended seeks in vain to cheer, 
Yet, while he speaks, her sorrows feel relief, 
Too soon more keen to sting from this suspension brief 



55 



Allowed to settle on celestial eyes 
Soft Sleep exulting now exerts his sway, 
From Psyche's anxious pillow gladly flies 
To veil those orbs, whose pure and lambent ray 
The powers of heaven submissively obey. 
Trembling and breathless then she softly rose, 
And seized the lamp, where it obscurely lay, 
With hand too rashly daring to disclose 
The sacred veil which hung mysterious o'er her woes, 



Twice, as with agitated step she went, 
The lamp expiring shone with doubtful gleam, 
As though it warned her from her rash intent : 
And twice she paused, and on its trembling beam 
Gazed with suspended breath, while voices seem 
With murmuring sound along the roof to sigh; 
As one just waking from a troublous dream, 
With palpitating heart and straining eye, 
Still fixed with fear remains, still thinks the danger nigh. 



56 



Oh, daring Muse ! wilt thou indeed essay 
To paint the wonders which that lamp could shew ? 
And canst thou hope in living words to say 
The dazzling glories of that heavenly view ? 
Ah ! well I ween, that if with pencil true 
That splendid vision could be well exprest, 
The fearful awe imprudent Psyche knew 
Would seize with rapture every wondering breast, 
When Love's all-potent charms divinely stood confest. 



All imperceptible to human touch, 
His wings display celestial essence light, 
The clear effulgence of the blaze is such, 
The brilliant plumage shines so heavenly bright 
That mortal eyes turn dazzled from the sight ; 
A youth he seems in manhood's freshest years ; 
Round his fair neck, as clinging with delight, 
Each golden curl resplendently appears, 
Or shades his darker brow, which grace majestic wears. 



57 



Or o'er his guileless front the ringlets bright 
Their rays of sunny lustre seem to throw, 
That front than polished ivory more white ! 
His blooming cheeks with deeper blushes glow 
Than roses scattered o'er a bed of snow : 
While on his lips, distilled in balmy dews, 
(Those lips divine that even in silence know 
The heart to touch) persuasion to infuse 
Still hangs a rosy charm that never vainly sues. 



The friendly curtain of indulgent sleep 
Disclosed not yet his eyes' resistless sway, 
But from their silky veil there seemed to peep 
Some brilliant glances with a softened ray, 
Which o'er his features exquisitely play, 
And all his polished limbs suffuse with light. 
Thus through some narrow space the azure day 
Sudden its cheerful rays diffusing bright, 
Wide darts its lucid beams, to gild the brow of night. 



58 



His fatal arrows and celestial bow 
Beside the couch were negligently thrown, 
Nor needs the god his dazzling arms, to show 
His glorious birth, such beauty round him shone 
As sure could spring from Beauty's self alone ; 
The gloom which glowed o'er all of soft desire, 
Could well proclaim him Beauty's cherished son ; 
And Beauty's self will oft these charms admire, 
And steal his witching smile, his glance's living fire. 



Speechless with awe, in transport strangely lost 
Long Psyche stood with fixed adoring eye ; 
Her limbs immoveable, her senses tost 
Between amazement, fear, and ecstasy, 
She hangs enamoured o'er the Deity. 
Till from her trembling hand extinguished falls 
The fatal lamp — He starts — and suddenly 
Tremendous thunders echo through the halls, 
While ruin's hideous crash bursts o'er the affrighted 
walls. 



59 



Dread horror seizes on her sinking heart, 
A mortal chillness shudders at her breast, 
Her soul shrinks fainting from death's icy dart, 
The groan scarce uttered dies but half exprest, 
And down she sinks in deadly swoon opprest : 
But when at length, awaking from her trance, 
The terrors of her fate stand all confest, 
In vain she casts around her timid glance, 
The rudely frowning scenes her former joys enhance. 



No traces of those joys, alas, remain ! 
A desert solitude alone appears. 
No verdant shade relieves the sandy plain, 
The wide-spread waste no gentle fountain cheers, 
One barren face the dreary prospect wears ; 
Nought through the vast horizon meets her eye 
To calm the dismal tumult of her fears, 
No trace of human habitation nigh, 
A sandy wild beneath, above a threatening sky. 



60 



The mists of morn yet chill the gloomy air, 
And heavily obscure the clouded skies ; 
In the mute anguish of a fixed despair 
Still on the ground immoveable she lies ; 
At length, with lifted hands and streaming eyes, 
Her mournful prayers invoke offended Love, 
" Oh, let me hear thy voice once more," she cries, 
" In death at least thy pity let me move, 
" And death, if but forgiven, a kind relief will prove. 



" For what can life to thy lost Psyche give, 
" What can it offer but a gloomy void ? 
" Why thus abandoned should I wish to live ? 
" To mourn the pleasure which I once enjoyed, 
" The bliss my own rash folly hath destroyed; 
" Of all my soul most prized, or held most dear, 
" Nought but the sad remembrance doth abide, 
" And late repentance of my impious fear; 
" Remorse and vain regret what living soul can bear ! 



61 



" Oh, art thou then indeed for ever gone ! 
" And art thou heedless of thy Psyche's woe I 
u From these fond arms for ever art thou flown, 
" And unregarded must my sorrows flow ! 
" Ah ! why too happy did I ever know 
" The rapturous charms thy tenderness inspires ? 
" Ah ! why did thy affections stoop so low ? 
" Why kindle in a mortal breast such fires, 
" Or with celestial love inflame such rash desires ? 



" Abandoned thus for ever by thy love, 
" No greater punishment I now can bear, 
" From fate no farther malice can I prove ; 
" Not all the horrors of this desert drear, 
" Nor death itself can now excite a fear ; 
" The peopled earth a solitude as vast 
" To this despairing heart would now appear ; 
u Here then, my transient joys for ever past, 
" Let thine expiring bride thy pardon gain at last P 



62 



Now prostrate on the bare unfriendly ground, 
She waits her doom in silent agony ; 
When lo J the well-known soft celestial sound 
She hears once more with breathless ecstasy, 
" Oh I yet too dearly loved ! Lost Psyche ! Why 
" With cruel fate wouldst thou unite thy power, 
" And force me thus thine arms adored to fly ? 
" Yet cheer thy drooping soul, some happier hour 
Thy banished steps may lead back to thy lover's 
bower. 



■** Though angry Venus we no more can shun, 
" Appease that anger and I yet am thine ! 
" Lo ! where her temple glitters to the sun; 
" With humble penitence approach her shrine, 
" Perhaps to pity she may yet incline ; 
" But should her cruel wrath these hopes deceive, 
" And thou, alas ! must never more be mine, 
** Yet sliall thy lover ne'er his Psyche leave, 
But, if the fates allow, unseen thy woes relieve. 






63 



** Stronger than I, they now forbid my stay; 
** Psyche beloved, adieu !" Scarce can she hear 
The last faint words, which gently melt away; 
And now more faint the dying sounds appear, 
Borne to a distance from her longing ear ; 
Yet still attentively she stands unmoved, 
To catch those accents which her soul could cheer, 
That soothing voice which had so sweetly proved 
That still his tender heart oifending Psyche loved ! 



And now the joyous sun had cleared the sky, 
The mist dispelled revealed the splendid fane ; 
A palmy grove majestically high 
Screens the fair building from the desert plain ; 
Of alabaster white and free from stain 
''Mid the tall trees the tapering columns rose; 
Thither, with fainting steps, and weary pain, 
Obedient to the voice at length she goes, 
And at the threshold seeks protection and repose. 



64 



Round the soft scene immortal roses bloom, 
While lucid myrtles in the breezes play; 
No savage beast did ever yet presume 
With foot impure within the grove to stray, 
And far from hence flies every bird of prey; 
Thus, 'mid the sandy Garamantian wild, 
When Macedonia's lord pursued his way, 
The sacred temple of great Ammon smiled, 
And green encircling shades the long fatigue beguiled: 



W ith awe that fearfully her doom awaits 
Still at the portal Psyche timid lies, 
When lo ! advancing from the hallowed gates 
Trembling she views with reverential eyes 
An aged priest. A myrtle bough supplies 
A wand, and roses bind his snowy brows : 
" Bear hence thy feet profane, (he sternly cries,) 
" Thy longer stay the goddess disallows, 
" Fly, nor her fiercer wrath too daringly arouse !" 



65 



His pure white robe imploringly she held, 
And, bathed in tears, embraced his sacred knees ; 
Her mournful charms relenting he beheld, 
And melting pity in his eye she sees ; 
" Hope not (he cries) the goddess to appease, 
" Retire at awful distance from her shrine, 
" But seek the refuge of those sheltering trees, 
66 And now thy soul with humble awe incline 
" To hear her sacred will, and mark the words divine. 



" Presumptuous Psyche ! whose aspiring soul 
" The God of Love has dared to arrogate ; 
" Rival of Venus ! whose supreme control 
"Is now asserted by all-ruling fate, 
" No suppliant tears her vengeance shall abate 
" Till thou hast raised an altar to her power, 
" Where perfect happiness, in lonely state, 
" Has fixed her temple in secluded bower, 
By foot impure of man untrodden to this hour I 

F 



66 



" And on the altar must thou place an urn 

" Filled from immortal Beauty's sacred spring, 

" Which foul deformity to grace can turn, 

u And back to fond affection's eyes can bring 

" The charms which fleeting fled on transient wing ; 

" Snatched from the rugged steep where first they rise, 

" Dark rocks their crystal source o'ershadowing, 

" Let their clear water sparkle to the skies 

Where cloudless lustre beams which happiness supplies ! 



" To Venus thus for ever reconciled, 
" (This one atonement all her wrath disarms,) 
*' From thy loved Cupid then no more exiled 
" There shalt thou, free from sorrow and alarms, 
" Enjoy for ever his celestial charms. 
" But never shalt thou taste a pure repose, 
" Nor ever meet thy lover's circling arms, 
" Till, all subdued that shall thy steps oppose, 
u Thy perils there shall end, escaped from all thy foes. 



67 



With meek submissive woe she heard her doom. 
Nor to the holy minister replied ; 
But in the myrtle grove's mysterious gloom 
She silently retired her grief to hide. 
Hopeless to tread the waste without a guide, 
All unrefreshed and faint from toil she lies: 
When lo ! her present wants are all supplied, 
Sent by the hand of Love a turtle flies, 
And sets delicious food before her wondering eyes, 



Cheered by the favouring omen, softer tears 
Relieve her bosom from its cruel weight : 
She blames the sad despondence of her fears, 
When still protected by a power so great, 
His tenderness her toils will mitigate. 
Then with renewed strength at length she goes, 
Hoping to find some skilled in secret fate, 
Some learned sage, who haply might disclose 
Where lay that blissful bower, the end of all her woes. 



m 



And as she went, behold, with hovering flight 
The dove preceded still her doubtful way; 
Its spotless plumage of the purest white, 
Which shone resplendent in the blaze of day, 
Could even in darkest gloom a light display ; 
Of heavenly birth, when first to mortals given 
Named Innocence. But ah ! too short its stay ; 
By ravenous birds it fearfully was driven 
Back to reside with Love, a denizen of heaven. 



Now through the trackless wild, o'er many a mile 
The messenger of Cupid led the fair, 
And cheered with hope her solitary toil, 
Till now a brighter face the prospects wear, 
Past are the sandy wastes and deserts bare, 
And many a verdant hill, and grassy dale, 
And trace, that mortal culture might declare, 
And many a wild wood dark, and joyous vale 
Appeared her soul to sooth, could soothing scenes avail. 



69 



But other fears her timid soul distress, 
''Mid strangers unprotected and alone, 
The desert wilderness alarmed her less 
Than cities, thus unfriended and unknown ; 
But where the path was all by moss o'ergrown, 
There still she chose her solitary way, 
Where'er her faithful Dove before had flown 
Fearful of nought she might securely stray, 
For still his care supplied the wants of every day. 



And still she entered every sacred grove 
And homage paid to each divinity, 
But chief the altar of almighty Love 
Weeping embraced with fond imploring eye ; 
To every oracle her hopes apply, 
Instructions for her dangerous path to gain : 
Exclaiming oft, with a desponding sigh, 
" Ah ! how through all such dangers, toil, and pain, 
" Shall Psyche's helpless steps their object e'er attain !" 



70 



And now, remote from every peopled town, 
One sultry day a cooling bower she found : 
There, as I whilom sung, she laid her down, 
Where rich profusion of gay flowers around 
Had decked with artless shew the sloping ground ; 
There the wild rose and modest violet grow, 
There all thy charms, Narcissus ! still abound : 
There wrapt in verdure fragrant lilies blow, 
Lilies that love the vale, and hide their bells of snow. 



Thy flowers, Adonis ! bright vermilion shew; 
Still for his love the yellow Crocus pines ; 
There, while indignant blushes seem to glow, 
Beloved by Phoebus his Acanthus shines ; 
Reseda still her drooping head reclines 
With faithful homage to his golden rays, 
And, though 'mid clouds their lustre he resigns, 
An image of the constant heart displays, 
While silent still she turns her fond pursuing gaze. 



71 



And every sweet that Spring with fairy hands 
Scatters in thy green path, enchanting May ! 
And every flowering shrub there clustering stands 
As though they wooed her to a short delay, 
Yielding a charm to sooth her weary way; 
Soft was the tufted moss, and sweet the breeze, 
With lulling sound the murmuring waters play, 
With lulling sound from all the rustling trees 
The fragrant gale invites to cool refreshing ease. 



There as she sought repose, her sorrowing heart 
Recalled her absent love with bitter sighs ; 
Regret had deeply fixed the poisoned dart, 
Which ever rankling in her bosom lies ; 
In vain she seeks to close her weary eyes, 
Those eyes still swim incessantly in tears, 
Hope in her cheerless bosom fading dies, 
Distracted by a thousand cruel fears, 
While banished from his love for ever she appears. 



72 



Oh ! thou best comforter of that sad heart 
Whom fortune's spite assails ; come, gentle Sleep, 
The weary mourner sooth ! for well the art 
Thou knowest in soft forgetfulness to steep 
The eyes which sorrow taught to watch and weep; 
Let blissful visions now her spirits cheer, 
Or lull her cares to peace in slumbers deep, 
Till, from fatigue refreshed and anxious fear, 
Hope, like the morning star, once more shall re-appear. 



CANTO III 



ARGUMENT. 

Praise of Love — Psyche's Champion, with his attendant 
Constance, described — The Knight assumes the com- 
mand of Passion, who appears as a Lion — Psyche pro- 
ceeds under the protection of the Knight — Persuaded 
to repose in the Bower of loose Delight — Her escape 
from thence — Led by Innocence to Retirement — Psyche 
meets Vanity and Flattery — Betrayed by them into the 
power of Ambition — Rescued by her Knight. 



CANTO III. 



Oh, who art thou who dareet of Love complain ? 
He is a gentle spirit and injures none ! 
His foes are ours ; from them the bitter pain, 
The keen, deep anguish, the heart-rending groan, 
Which in his milder reign are never known. 
His tears are softer than the April showers, 
White-handed Innocence supports his throne, 
His sighs are sweet as breath of earliest flowers, 
Affection guides his steps, and peace protects his bowers. 



76 



But scarce admittance he on earth can find, 
Opposed by vanity, by fraud ensnared, 
Suspicion frights him from the gloomy mind, 
And jealousy in vain his smiles has shared, 
Whose sullen frown the gentle godhead scared ; 
From passion's rapid blaze in haste he flies, 
His wings alone the fiercer flame has spared ; 
From him ambition turns his scornful eyes, 
And avarice, slave to gold, a generous lord denies. 



But chief Inconstancy his power destroys ; 
To mock his lovely form, an idle train 
With magic skill she dressed in transient toys, 
By these the selfish votaries she can gain 
Whom Love's more simple bands could ne'er detain. 
Ah ! how shall Psyche through such mortal foes 
The fated end of all her toils attain ? 
Sadly she ponders o'er her hopeless woes, 
Till on the pillowy turf she sinks to short repose. 



77 



But, as the careless lamb, whom playful chance, 
Thoughtless of danger has enticed to rove, 
Amidst her gambols casts a sudden glance 
Where lurks her wily foe within the grove, 
Anxious to fly, but still afraid to move, 
All hopeless of escape — so looks the maid, 
Such dread her half-awakened senses prove, 
When roused from sleep before her eyes dismayed 
A knight all armed appears close 'mid the embowering 
shade. 



Trembling she gazed, until the stranger knight, 
Tempering with mildest courtesy the awe 
Which majesty inspired, low in her sight 
Obeisance made ; nor would he nearer draw, 
Till, half subdued surprise and fear, he saw 
Pale terror yielding to the rosy grace, 
The pure congealed blood begin to thaw, 
And flowing through her crystal veins apace 
Suffuse with mantling blush her mild celestial face. 



78 



Gently approaching then with fairest speech 
He proffered service to the lonely dame, 
And prayed her that she might not so impeach 
The honour of his youth's yet spotless fame, 
As aught to fear which might his knighthood shame ; 
But if her unprotected steps to guard, 
The glory of her champion he might claim, 
He asked no other guerdon or reward, 
Than what bright honour's self might to his deeds award. 



Doubting, and musing much within her mind, 
With half-suspicious, half-confiding eye, 
A while she stood ; her thoughts bewildered find 
No utterance, unwilling to deny 
Such proffered aid, yet bashful to reply 
With quick assent, since though concealed his face 
Beneath his helm, yet might she well espy 
And in each fair proportion plainly trace 
The symmetry of form, and perfect youthful grace. 



79 



Hard were it to describe the nameless charm 
That o'er each limb, in every action played, 
The softness of that voice, which could disarm 
The hand of fury of its deadly blade : 
In shining armour was the youth arrayed, 
And on his shield a bleeding heart he bore, 
His lofty crest light plumes of azure shade, 
There shone a wounded dragon bathed in gore, 
And bright with silver beamed the silken scarf he wore. 



His milk-white steed with glittering trappings blazed, 
Whose reins a beauteous boy attendant held, 
On the fair squire with wonder Psyche gazed, 
For scarce he seemed of age to bear the shield, 
Far less a ponderous lance, or sword to wield ; 
Yet well this little page his lord had served, 
His youthful arm had many a foe repelled, 
His watchful eye from many a snare preserved, 
Nor ever from his steps in any danger swerved. 



80 



Graced with the gift of a perpetual youth, 
No lapse of years had power his form to change ; 
Constance was named the boy, whose matchless truth, 
Though oft enticed with other lords to range, 
Nor fraud, nor force could from that knight estrange ; 
His mantle of celestial blue was made, 
And its bright texture wrought with art so strange 
That the fresh brilliant gloss could never fade, 
And lustre yet unknown to Psyche's eyes displayed. 



Thus while she gazed, behold with horrid roar 
A lion from the neighbouring forest rushed, 
A golden chain around his neck he bore, 
Which richly glowing with carbuncles blushed, 
While his fierce eye-balls fiery rage had flushed : 
Forth steps the youth before the affrighted fair, 
Who in his mighty paw already crushed 
Seems in the terrors of her wild despair, 
And her mute quivering lips a death-like paleness wear. 



81 



But scarce the kingly beast the knight beheld, 
When crouching low, submissive at his feet, 
His wrath extinguished, and his valour quelled, 
He seemed with reverence and obeisance sweet 
Him as his long-acknowledged lord to greet. 
While, in acceptance of the new command, 
Well pleased the youth received the homage meet, 
Then seized the splendid chain with steady hand, 
Full confident to rule, and every foe withstand. 



And, when at length recovered from her fear 
The timid Psyche mounts his docile steed, 
Much prayed, she tells to his attentive ear 
(As on her purposed journey they proeeed) 
The doubtful course the oracle decreed: 
And how, observant of her friendly guide, 
She still pursued its flight, with all the speed 
Her fainting strength had hitherto supplied : 
What pathless wilds she crossed! What forests dark- 
ling wide ! 

G 



82 



Which having heard, the courteous knight began 
With counsel sweet to sooth her wounded heart ; 
Divinely eloquent, persuasion ran 
The herald of his words ere they depart 
His lips, which well might confidence impart, 
As he revealed how he himself was bound 
By solemn vow, that neither force nor art 
His helmet should unloose, till he had found 
The bower of happiness, that long-sought fairy ground. 



" I too (lie said) divided from my love, 
" The offended power of Venus deprecate, 
" Like thee, through paths untrodden, sadly rove 
" In search of that fair spot prescribed by fate, 
" The blessed term of my afflicted state, 
" Where I the mistress of my soul shall find, 
" For whose dear sake no toil to me seems great, 
" Nor any dangers to my search assigned 
u Can from its purpose fright my ardent longing mind. 



83 



" Psyche ! thy soft and sympathising heart 

" Shall share the rapture of thy loyal knight ; 

" He too, in thy content shall bear a part, 

" Blest witness of thy new-restored delight ; 

" My vows of true allegiance here I plight, 

" Ne^er to forsake thee till thy perils end, 

" Thy steps to guard, in thy protection fight, 

" By counsel aid, and by my arm defend, 

And prove myself in all, thy champion and thy friend.'" 



So on they went, her cheerless heart revived 
By promised succour in her doubtful way ; 
And much of hope she to herself derived, 
From the warm eagerness his lips display 
In their pursuit to suffer no delay : 
64 And sure, (she softly sighed) my dearest Lord, 
" Thy watchful love still guides me as I stray, 
" Not chance alone could such an aid afford, 
" Lo ! beasts of prey confess the heaven-assisted sword. " 



84 



Now from his crystal urn, with chilling hand. 
Vesper had sprinkled all the earth with dew, 
A misty veil obscured the neighbouring land, 
And shut the fading landscape from their view ; 
A beaten path they eagerly pursue, 
(For now refreshment and repose they need, 
As Psyche weary of long travel grew,) 
Where by a river's bank it seemed to lead, 
Along its sinuous course they heedlessly proceed. 



At length the lordly beast that bore the knight 
Explored the river's depth with sudden bound : 
Psyche, who heard the plunge with strange affright, 
Her champion re-assured with welcome sound, 
That he the other bank had safely found ; 
And, while he spoke, emerging from the shade, 
A joyous goodly train appear around, 
Of many a gallant youth and white-robed maid, 
Who grateful welcome gave, and courteous greeting paid. 



85 



Quick through the trees a thousand torches blazed 
The gloom to banish, and the scene disclose 
To Psyche, all irresolute, amazed : 
A bridge with stately arch at distance rose, 
Thither at once the gay assembly goes, 
Not unattended by the charmed knight, 
Inviting Psyche to partake repose, 
Pointing where shone their bower illumined bright, 
Their bower so passing fair, the bower of loose Delight. 



At length with timid foot the bridge she past, 
And to her guardian knight clung fearfully, 
While many a doubting glance around she cast, 
If still her watchful dove she might espy ; 
Feebly it seemed on labouring wing to fly, 
Till, dazzled by the sudden glare around, 
In painful trance it closed its dizzy eye, 
And had it not fair Psyche's bosom found, 
Its drooping pinion soon had touched the unhallowed 
ground. 



86 



Hence there arose within her heart sore dread 
Which no alluring pleasure could dispel ; 
The splendid hall with luscious banquet spread, 
The soft-breathed flutes which in sweet concert swell, 
With melody of song unspeakable ; 
Nor the light dancing troop in roses drest, 
Could chase the terrors which she dared not tell, 
While, fondly cherished in her anxious breast, 
She strove in vain to sooth the fluttering bird to rest. 



On a soft downy couch the guests are placed, 
And close behind them stands their watchful page, 
But much his strict attendance there disgraced, 
And much was scorned his green and tender age, 
His calm fixed eye, and steady aspect sage : 
But him nor rude disdain, nor mockery, 
Nor soothing blandishments could e'er engage 
The wanton mazes of their sports to try, 
Or from his lord to turn his firm adhering eye. 



87 



White-bosomed nymphs around with loosened zones 
All on the guests obsequiously tend, 
Some sing of love with soft expiring tones, 
While Psyche's melting eyes the strain commend ; 
Some o'er their heads the canopy suspend, 
Some hold the sparkling bowl, while some with skill 
Ambrosial showers and balmy juices blend, 
Or the gay lamps with liquid odours fill, 
Whose many-coloured fires divinest sweets distil. 



And now a softer light they seemed to shed, 
And sweetest music ushered in their queen : 
Her languid steps by winged boys are led, 
Who in their semblance might have Cupids been ; 
Close wrapt in veils her following train was seen ; 
Herself looked lovely in her loose attire, 
Her smiling eyes gave lustre to the scene, 
And still, where'er they turned their wanton fire, 
Each thrilling nerve confessed the rapture they inspire. 



88 



The stranger guests she viewed with welcome glad, 
And crowned the banquet with reception sweet, 
To fill the glowing bowl her nymphs she bad, 
And, graceful rising from her splendid seat, 
She would herself present the sparkling treat ; 
When lo ! the dove, alarmed, with sudden start. 
Spurned the bright cup, and dashed it at her feet, 
For well he knew 'twas mixed with treacherous art 
To sting his Psyche's breast with agonizing smart. 



Regardless of her supplicating tears, 
Each eye with vengeful rage the insult sees, 
Her knight's protection now in vain appears ; 
The offended sovereign anxious to appease, 
A thousand hands prepare the dove to seize : 
Nor was this all, for as the tumult rose, 
Sudden more thick than swarm of summer bees, 
The secret dens their venomed hoards disclose, 
And horror at the sight her vital spirits froze. 



89 



Hissing aloud with undulations dire, 
Their forked tongues unnumbered serpents show, 
Their tainted breath emitting poisonous fire, 
All turn on Psyche as their mortal foe ; 
But he, whose arm was never weak or slow, 
Now rushed before her with resistless spring, 
On either side the oft-repeated blow 
Repulsed the malice of their deadly sting, 
While sparks of wrathful fire from their fierce jaws they 
fling. 



" Fly, Psyche ! these are slander's hellish brood ! 
u Contest I know is vain," her champion cried. 
Her passage now the opposing train withstood ; 
Struck with disgust their hideous forms she spied, 
For lo ! each silken veil is thrown aside, 
And foul deformity, and filth obscene, 
With monstrous shapes appear on every side ; 
But vanished is their fair and treacherous queen, 
And with her every charm that decked the enchanted scene. 



90 



Meanwhile the dove had soared above their reach, 
But hovered still in anxious Psyche's sight, 
Precursor of escape, it seemed to teach 
Whither she safest might direct her flight, 
And find a passport in her foes 1 despight ; 
One rugged path there lay with briars o'ergrown, 
Then dark and dismal with the shades of night, 
Thither the dove on rapid wing had flown, 
Conspicuous "mid the gloom its silver plumage shone. 



Yet she delayed, o'ercome by terror's power, 
And scarce her fainting form the knight could shield, 
When lo ! still active in the trying hour, 
Constance rushed fearless through the dreadful field, 
With breast-plate firm invulnerably steeled, 
He heeded not the storms which round him press, 
To any perils he disdained to yield, 
Endued with prudence as with hardiness, 
And ever skilled to bring due succour in distress. 



91 



Lo ! swift returning on his master's steed, 
In his right hand he held the lion's chain, 
The mighty beast his gentleness could lead, 
Though little used to bear the curb or rein, 
And 'mid those groves accustomed to remain, 
Yet now prepared, with sweet submissive grace, 
He ready stands the knight to bear again, 
While trembling Psyche on the steed they place, 
Which swift as lightning flies far from the dreadful chase. 



Rough was the rude wild way, and many a thorn 
Tore her loose garments in their rapid flight, 
O'er many a league the panting fair is borne, 
Till now, emerging from the shades of night, 
The grey-eyed morn stole forth her pallid light. 
Then first she paused, unable to proceed, 
Exhausted with fatigue, and pain, and fright. 
" Turn, Psyche," cried the youth, " relax thy speed, 
" And see thyself at length from thy pursuers freed." 



92 



'Mid the thick forest was a lonely dell, 
Where foot of man was seldom known to tread, 
The sloping hills all round in graceful swell 
The little green with woods environed ; 
Hither the dove their passive course had led : 
Here the thin smoke blue rising 'mid the trees, 
Where broad and brown the deepest umbrage spread, 
Spoke the abode of safe retired ease, 
And Psyche gladly there her dove descending sees. 



In lowly cottage, walled with mossy sod, 
Close by a little spring's perpetual rill, 
A hermit dwelt, who many a year had trod 
With sacred solitude that pine-clad hill, 
And loved with holy images to fill 
His soul enrapt ; yet courteous then besought 
A while secluded here to rest ; and still 
Replete with kind and hospitable thought, 
To a sequestered bower the wearied Psyche brought. 



93 



Skilled in the virtue of each healing flower, 
And the wild fruitfs restoring juice to blend, 
He spreads the frugal fare of wholesome power, 
And needfully his cares their wants attend ; 
A docile ear to his advice they lend, 
And sage instruction from his precepts take, 
Which much their future journey may befriend ; 
Wisdom with soothing eloquence he spake, 
Pleased to resolve their doubts, and all their cares partake. 



In those sweet placid scenes a while they rest, 
Till Psyche finds her fainting strength revive ; 
And here her dove, as in a quiet nest, 
Delighted seems to sportive joy alive ; 
And hence they surest confidence derive. 
He plumes his wings, and through his swelling throat 
(No more a ruffled, fearful fugitive) 
In gentle murmurs pours his dulcet note, 
While Psyche listening sits in some still vale remote. 



94 



Oh ! have you never known the silent charm 
That undisturbed retirement yields the soul, 
Where no intruder might your peace alarm, 
And tenderness hath wept without control, 
While melting fondness o'er the bosom stole ? 
Did fancy never, in some lonely grove, 
Abridge the hours which must in absence roll ? 
Those pensive pleasures did you never prove, 
Oh, you have never loved ! you know not what is love ! 



They do not love who can to these prefer 
The tumult of the gay, or folly's roar ; 
The Muse they know not ; nor delight in her 
Who can the troubled soul to rest restore, 
Calm Contemplation : Yes, I must deplore 
Their joyless state, even more than his who mourns 
His love for ever lost ; delight no more 
Unto his widowed heart indeed returns, 
Yet, while he weeps, his soul their cold indifference spurns. 



95 



But if soft hope illumines fancy's dream, 
Assuring him of love and constancy, 
How exquisite do then the moments seem, 
When he may hide himself from every eye, 
And cherish the dear thought in secrecy ! 
While sweet remembrance sooths his thrilling heart, 
And brings once more past hours of kindness nigh, 
Recals the look of love when forced to part, 
And turns to drops of joy the tears that sadly start. 



Forgetful of the dangers of her way, 
Imagination oft would Psyche bear 
To her long travel's end, and that blest day 
When Love unveiled should to her eyes appear ; 
When she might view his charms exempt from fear, 
Taste his pure kisses, feel his balmy sighs, 
Rest in the fond embrace of arms so dear, 
Gaze with soft rapture on his melting eyes, 
And hear his voice divine, the music of the skies ! 



96 



Their destined course impatient to achieve, 
The knight is urgent onward to proceed : 
Cheered with recruited strength, they take their leave 
Of their kind host, and pay their grateful meed 
Of warmest thanks sincere ; onward they speed 
Their sunless journey long through forests green, 
And tangled thickets rank with many a weed ; 
And when at closing day a hut is seen, 
They seek the humble roof, nor scorn its welcome mean. 



It happened once that, early roused from sleep, 
(Ere her damp veil the virgin Morn had cast 
From her pale face, not yet with blushes deep 
Lovely suffused, as when approaching fast 
His herald star proclaims her spouse at last) 
Psyche, forsaking soon her homely bed, 
Alone had fearless the low threshold past, 
And, to beguile the hours which lingering fled, 
Light o'er the dewy plain walked forth with nimble tread. 






97 



Yet though the knight close wrapt in slumber lay. 
Her steps, at distance, still the page pursued, , 
Fearful that danger might befal her way, 
Or lest, entangled in the mazy wood, 
Returning she should miss the pathway rude. 
The lark now hails the sun with rapturous song, 
The cheerful earth resounds with gratitude, 
O'er the gay scene as Psyche tript along, 
She felt her spirits rise, her lightened heart grow strong. 



And hark, soft music steals upon the ear I 
'Tis woman's voice most exquisitely sweet ! 
Behold two female forms approaching near 
Arrest with wonder Psyche's timid feet; 
On a gay car, by speckled panthers fleet 
Is drawn in gallant state a seeming queen, 
And at her foot, on low but graceful seat, 
A gentle nymph of lovely form is seen, 
In robe of fairest white, with scarf of pleasant green. 

H 



98 



In strains of most bewitching harmony, 
And still adapted to her sovereign's praise, 
She filled the groves with such sweet melody, 
That, quite o'ercome with rapture and amaze, 
Psyche stood listening to the warbled lays ; 
Yet with a sullen, scarce approving ear 
Her mistress sits, but with attentive gaze 
Her eyes she fixes on a mirror clear, 
Where still by fancy's spell unrivalled charms appear. 



And, as she looked with aspect ever new, 
She seemed on change and novel grace intent, 
Her robe was formed of ever-varying hue, 
And whimsically placed each ornament ; 
On her attire, with rich luxuriance spent, 
The treasures of the earth, the sea, the air, 
Are vainly heaped her wishes to content ; 
Yet were her arms and snowy bosom bare, 
And both in painted pride shone exquisitely fair. 






99 



Her braided tresses in profusion drest, 
Circled with diadem, and nodding plumes, 
Sported their artful ringlets o'er her breast, 
And to the breezes gave their rich perfumes ; 
Her cheek with tint of borrowed roses blooms : 
Used to receive from all rich offerings, 
She quaffs with conscious right the fragrant fumes 
Which her attendant from a censer flings, 
Who graceful feeds the flame with incense while she sings. 



Soon as her glance fair Psyche's form had caught, 
Her soft attendant smiling she addressed : 
" Behold, Lusinga ! couldst thou e'er have thought 
" That these wild woods were so in beauty blest ? 
" Let but that nymph in my attire be drest, 
" And scarce her loveliness will yield to mine ! 
" At least invite her in our bower to rest, 
" Before her eyes let all my splendor shine, 
" Perhaps to dwell with us her heart we may incline." 



100 



With softest smile applauding all she heard,. 
Lusinga bowing left her golden seat, 
And Psyche, who at first in doubt had feared 
While listening to the lay so silver sweet, 
Now passive followed with unconscious feet ; 
Till Constance, all alarmed, impatient flew, 
And soft his whispers of the maid entreat 
To fly the Syren's song, for well he knew 
What lurking dangers hence would to his Lord ensue. 



" Oh, do not trust her treacherous lips," he cried, 
" She is the subtle slave of Vanity, 
" Her queen, the child of folly, and of pride, 
" To lure thee to her power each art will try, 
" Nor ever will release thee peaceably." 
He spoke, but spoke in vain, for lo ! from far, 
Of giant port they fast approaching spy 
( A knight, high mounted on a glittering car, 
From whose conspicuous crest flames wide a dazzling star. 



101 



" Psyche, escape ! Ambition is at hand !" 

The page exclaims : while swift as thought he flies ; 

She would have followed, but with parley bland 

Lusinga soon her terrors pacifies. 

" Fair nymph, ascend my car," the sovereign cries, 

" Ixwill convey thee where thy wishes lead, 

M Haply the safest course I may advise 

" How thou thy journey mayst perform with speed ; 

For ne'er in woods to dwell such beauty was decreed T 



So gently urgent her consent they wooed 
With much persuasion of the stranger knight, 
That yielding Psyche now no more withstood, 
But, pointing out to her observant sight 
The humble cot where she had passed the night, 
She prayed her kind conductress there to turn, 
And promised to herself what vast delight 
Her wondering knight would feel at her return, 
And with what blushing shame the timid page would 
burn. 



102 



But scarcely had she climbed the fatal car, 
When swifter than the wind the panthers new, 
The traversed plains and woods, receding far, 
Soon shut from trembling Psyche's anxious view 
The spot where she had left her guardian true ; 
With desperate efforts, all in vain she tries 
To escape the ills which now too sure she knew 
Must from her ill-placed confidence arise : 
Betrayed— Ah ! self-betrayed, a wretched sacrifice. 



She strove to quit the car with sudden bound, 
Ah, vain attempt ! she now perceived too late 
A thousand silken trammels, subtly wound 
O'er her fair form, detained her as she sate : 
Lost in despair she yields to her sad fate, 
And silent hears, but with augmented fright, 
The queen describe her brother's splendid state, 
Who now outstripped them by his rapid flight, 
And prest his foaming steeds to gain the arduous height. 



103 



High o'er the spacious plain a mountain rose, 
A stately castle on its summit stood : 
Huge craggy cliffs behind their strength oppose 
To the rough surges of the dashing flood ; 
The rocky shores a boldly rising wood 
On either side conceals ; bright shine the towers, 
And seem to smile upon the billows rude. 
In front the eye, with comprehensive powers, 
Sees wide-extended plains enriched with splendid bowers. 



Hither they bore the sad reluctant fair, 
Who mounts with dizzy eye the awful steep ; 
The blazing structure seems high poised in air, 
And its light pillars tremble o'er the deep : 
As yet the heavens are calm, the tempests sleep, 
She knows not half the horrors of her fate : 
Nor feels the approaching ruin's whirlwind sweep : 
Yet with ill-boding fears she past the gate, 
And turned with sickening dread from scenes of gorgeous 
state. 



104 

In vain the haughty master of the hall 
Invites her to partake his regal throne, 
With cold indifference she looks on all 
The gilded trophies, and the well- wrought stone 
Which in triumphal arches proudly shone : 
And as she casts around her timid eye, 
Back to her knight her trembling heart is flown, 
And many an anxious wish, and many a sigh 
Invokes his gallant arm protection to supply. 



Sudden the lurid heavens obscurely frown, 
And sweeping gusts the coming storm proclaim ; 
Flattery's soft voice the howling tempests drown, 
While the roofs catch the greedy lightning's flame. 
Loud in their fears, the attendant train exclaim 
The light-built fabric ne'er can stand the blast, 
And all its insecure foundations blame : 
Tumultously they rush : the chief aghast 
Beholds his throne o'erturned, his train dispersing fast. 



105 



Psyche dismayed, yet thoughtful of escape, 
In anxious silence to the portal prest; 
And freedom would have hailed in any shape, 
Though seen in death's tremendous colours drest : 
But ah ! she feels the knighfs strong grasp arrest 
Her trembling steps. " Think not," he cries, " to fly 
" With yon false crowd, who, by my favours blest, 
" Can now desert me, when with changeful eye 
" Inclement fortune frowns from yon dark angry sky." 



While yet he spoke loud bursts the groaning hall, 
With frightful peal the thundering domes resound, 
Disjointed columns in wild ruin fall, 
While the huge arches tremble to the ground. 
Yet unappalled amid the crush is found 
The daring chief: his hold he firm maintains 
Though hideous devastation roars around ; 
Plunged headlong down his prey he still sustains, 
Who in his powerful grasp in death-like swoon remains. 



106 



Down sinks the palace with its mighty lord, 
Hurled from the awful steep with vehemence 
Even to the floods below, which angry roared 
And gaping wide received the weight immense : 
Indignant still, with fearless confidence 
He rose, high mounting o'er the heaving waves ; 
Against their rage one arm is his defence, 
The other still his lovely burden saves, 
Though strong the billows beat, and fierce the tempest 
raves. 



The blazing star yet shone upon his brow, 
And flamed triumphant o'er the dashing main ; 
He rides secure the watery waste, and now 
The sheltering shore he might in safety gain ; 
The sheltering shore he shuns with proud disdain, 
And breasts the adverse tide. Ah, rash resource ! 
Yon vessel, Prince, thou never shalt attain ! 
For plunging 'mid the deep, with generous force, 
See where the lion's lord pursues thy hardy course ! 



107 



Psyche a well-known voice to life restores, 
Once more her eyes unclosing view the light, 
But not the waters, nor receding shores, 
One only object can arrest her sight, 
High o'er the flood she sees her valiant knight, 
And sudden joy, and hopes scarce trusted cheer 
Even in that awful moment's dread affright ; 
Her feeble cry indeed he cannot hear, 
But sees her out-stretched arms, and seems already near. 



In vain the giant knight exerts his strength ; 
Urged by the impetuous youth the Hon prest, 
And gaining fast upon his flight, at length 
Prepared his daring progress to arrest, 
And seized with furious jaw his struggling breast ; 
Gasping he loosed his hold— and Psyche lost 
The o'erwhelming wave with ruin had opprest, 
But Constance, ever near when needed most, 
The sinking beauty caught, and bore her to the coast. 



108 



Stung with the shame of the relinquished prey, 
Mad with revenge, and hate, and conscious pride, 
The knight, recovered from his short dismay, 
Dashes resistless through the foaming tide ; 
The billows yielding to his arm divide, 
As rushing on the youth he seeks the shore ; 
But now a combat strange on either side 
Amid the waves begins ; each hopes no more 
The engulphing deep his foe shall e'er to light restore. 



Beside the cold inhospitable lands, 
Where suns long absent dawn with lustre pale, 
Thus on his bark the bold Biscayen stands, 
And bids his javelin rouse the parent whale : 
Fear, pain, and rage at once her breast assail, 
The agitated ocean foams around, 
Lashed by the sounding fury of her tail, 
Or as she mounts the surge with frightful bound, 
Wide echoing to her cries the bellowing shores resound. 



109 



Fierce was the contest, but at length subdued, 
The youth exulting sees his giant foe. 
With wonder still the enormous limbs he viewed, 
Which lifeless now the waves supporting show. 
His starred helm, that now was first laid low, 
He seized as trophy of the wonderous fight, 
And bade the sparkling gem on Constance glow, 
While Psyche's eyes, soft beaming with delight, 
Through tears of grateful praise applaud her gallant 
knight. 



CANTO IV 



ARGUMENT. 

Introduction — Sympathy — Suspicion — Psyche benighted 
— Credulity represented, according to a Picture by 
Apelles, as an old Woman, the devoted prey of Slander, 
or the Blatant Beast — Contest between the Knight and 
Slander — The Knight wounded — Slander flies — Cre- 
dulity leads Psyche to the Castle of Suspicion — Psyche 
deluded, laments the desertion of her Knight to the 
train of Inconstancy-~Psyche betrayed by Suspicion 
into the power of Jealousy — Persuaded by him that 
her Knight, by whom she was then abandoned, zcas 
indeed hove — Psyche delivered by her Knight — Recon- 
ciliation. 



CANTO IV. 



Full gladsome was my heart ere while to tell 
How proud Ambition owned superior Love ; 
For ah J too oft his sterner power could quell 
The mild affections which more gently move, 
And rather silent fled than with him strove : 
For Love content and tranquil saw with dread 
The busy scenes Ambition's schemes approve, 
And, by the hand of Peace obscurely led, 
From pride of public life disgusted ever iled. 



114 



There are who know not the delicious charm 
Of sympathising hearts ; let such employ 
Their active minds ; the trumpet's loud alarm 
Shall yield them hope of honourable joy, 
And courts may lure them with each splendid toy 
But ne'er may vanity or thirst of fame 
The dearer bliss of loving life destroy ! 
Oh ! blind to man's chief good who Love disclaim, 
And barter pure delight for glory's empty name ! 



Blest Psyche ! thou hast 'scaped the tyrant's power ! 
Thy gentle heart shall never know the pain 
Which tortures Pride in his most prosperous hour : 
Yet dangers still unsung for thee remain ; 
Nor must thou unmolested hope to gain 
Immortal beauty's never-failing spring ; 
Oh I no — nor yet tranquillity attain : 
But though thy heart the pangs of doubt may sting, 
Thy faithful knight shall yet thy steps in safety bring. 



115 



Warned by late peril now she scarcely dares 
Quit for one moment his protecting eye : 
Sure in his sight, her soul of nought despairs, 
And nought looks dreadful when that arm is nigh 
On which her hopes with confidence rely ; 
By his advice their constant course they bend, 
He points where hidden danger they should fly, 
On him securely, as her heaven-sent friend, 
She bids her grateful heart contentedly depend. 



Oh ! who the exquisite delight can tell, 
The joy which mutual confidence imparts? 
Or who can paint the charm unspeakable 
Which links in tender bands two faithful hearts ? 
In vain assailed by fortune's envious darts, 
Their mitigated woes are sweetly shared. 
And doubled joy reluctantly departs *. 
Let but the sympathising heart be spared, 
AVhat sorrow seems not light, what peril is not dared ? 



116 



Oh ! never may suspicion's gloomy sky 
Chill the sweet glow of fondly trusting love ! 
Nor ever may he feel the scowling eye 
Of dark distrust his confidence reprove ! 
In pleasing error may I rather rove, 
With blind reliance on the hand so dear, 
Than let cold prudence from my eyes remove 
Those sweet delusions, where nor doubt nor fear 
Nor foul disloyalty nor cruel change appear. 



The noble mind is ever prone to trust ; 
Yet love with fond anxiety is joined ; 
And timid tenderness is oft unjust; 
The coldness which it dreads too prompt to find, 
And torture the too susceptible mind. 
Hence rose the gloom which oft o'er Psyche stole 
Lest he she loved, unmindful or unkind, 
Should careless slight affection's soft control, 
Or she long absent lose her influence o'er his soul. 



117 



Twas evening, and the shades which sudden fell 
Seemed to forebode a dark unlovely night ; 
The sighing wood-nymphs from their caves foretel 
The storm which soon their quiet shall affright ; 
Nor cheering star nor moon appears in sight, 
Nor taper twinkles through the rustling leaves, 
And sheds afar its hospitable light : 
But hark ! a dismal sound the ear receives, 
And through the obscuring gloom the eye strange forms 
perceives. 



It was a helpless female who exclaimed, 
Whose blind and aged form an ass sustained : 
Misshaped and timorous, of light ashamed, 
In darksome woods her hard-earned food she gained, 
And her voracious appetite maintained, 
Though all-devouring, yet unsatisfied ; 
Nor aught of hard digestion she disdained, 
Whate'er was offered greedily she tried, 
And meanly served, as slave, whoever food supplied. 



118 

A cruel monster now her steps pursued, 
Well known of yore, and named the Blatant Beast 
And soon he seized his prey with grasp so rude, 
So fiercely on her feeble body prest, 
That had the courteous knight not soon released 
Her unresisting limbs from violence, 
She must have sunk by his rough jaws opprest : 
The spiteful beast, enraged at the defence, 
Now turned upon the knight with foaming vehemence. 



But, when his fury felt the couched spear, 
On Psyche's unarmed form he bellowing flew ; 
'Twas there alone the knight his rage could fear ; 
Swifter than thought his flaming sword he drew, 
And from his hand the doubtful javelin threw, 
Lest erring it might wound the trembling fair : 
Eager the cruel monster to subdue, 
He scorned to use his shield's protecting care, 
And rashly left his side in part exposed and bare. 



119 



Sharp were the wounds of his avenging steely 
Which forced the roaring beast to quit the field : 
Yet ere he fled, the knight unused to feel 
The power of any foe, or e'er to yield 
To any arm which sword or spear could wield, 
Perceived the venom of his tooth impure ; 
But, with indignant silence, unrevealed 
The pain he bore, while through the gloom obscure 
The beast, in vain pursued, urged on his flight secure. 



And now the hag, delivered from her fear, 
Her grateful thanks upon the knight bestowed, 
And, as they onward went, in Psyche's ear 
Her tongue with many a horrid tale overflowed, 
Which warned her to forsake that venturous road, 
And seek protection in the neighbouring grove ; 
Where dwelt a prudent dame, who oft bestowed 
Her sage advice, when pilgrims doomed to rove, 
Benighted there, had else with lurking dangers strove. 



120 

The knight now softly bade his charge beware, 
Nor trust Credulity, whom well he knew ; 
Yet he himself, harassed with pain and care, 
And heedful of the storm which fiercer grew, 
Yielded, a path more sheltered to pursue : 
Now soon entangled in a gloomy maze, 
Psyche no longer has her knight in view, 
Nor sees his page^ star-crowned helmet blaze ; 
Close at her side alone the hag loquacious strays. 



Fearful she stops, and calls aloud in vain, 
The storm-roused woods roar only in reply ; 
Anxious her loved protector to regain, 
She trembling listens to Credulity, 
Who points where they a glimmering light may spy ; 
Which, through the shade of intervening trees, 
And all the misty blackness of the sky, 
Casting a weak and dubious ray she sees, 
And fain by this would seek her terrors to appease. 



121 



Yet hoping that, allured by that same light 
Which singly seemed through all the gloom to shine, 
She there at last might meet her wandering knight, 
Thither her footsteps doubtingly incline, 
As best the uncertain path they could divine, 
All tangled as it wound through brake and briar : 
While to affright her soul at once combine 
A thousand shapeless forms of terror dire, 
Here shrieks the ill-omened bird, there glares the meteor's 
fire. 



In the deep centre of the mazy wood, 
With matted ivy and wild vine o'ergrown, 
A Gothic castle solitary stood, 
With massive walls built firm of murky stone ; 
Long had Credulity its mistress known, 
Meagre her form and tawny was her hue, 
Unsociably she lived, unloved, alone, 
No cheerful prospects gladdened e'er her view, 
And her pale hollow eyes oblique their glances threw. 



122 



Now had they reached the sad and dreary bower 
Where dark Disfida held her gloomy state : 
The grated casements strong with iron power, 
The huge port-cullis creaking o'er the gate, 
The surly guards that round the draw-bridge wait, 
Chill Psyche's heart with sad foreboding fears ; 
Nor ever had she felt so desolate 
As when at length her guide the porter hears, 
And at the well-known call reluctantly appears. 



In hall half lighted with uncertain rays, 
Such as expiring tapers transient shed, 
The gloomy princess sat, no social blaze 
The unkindled hearth supplied, no table spread 
Cheered the lone guest who weetless wandered, 
But melancholy silence reigned around, 
While on her arm she leaned her pensive head, 
And anxious watched, as sullenly she frowned, 
Of distant whispers low to catch the doubtful sound. 



123 



Startled to hear an unaccustomed noise, 
Sudden she rose, and on the intruders bent 
Her prying eye askance ; but soon the voice 
Of her old slave appeased her discontent, 
And a half- welcome to her guests she lent : 
Her frequent questions satisfied at last, 
Through all the neighbouring woods her scouts she sent 
To seek the knight, while Psyche's tears flowed fast, 
And all the live-long night in anxious woe she past, 



The sullen bell had told the midnight hour, 
And sleep had laid the busy world to rest, 
All but the watchful lady of that bower 
And wretched Psyche : her distracted breast 
The agony of sad suspense opprest, 
Now to the casement eagerly she flies, 
And now the wished-for voice her fancy blest : 
Alas ! the screaming night-bird only cries ; 
Only the drear obscure there meets her straining eyes. 



124 



Has thy heart sickened with deferred hope ? 
Or felt the impatient anguish of suspense ? 
Or hast thou tasted of the bitter cup 
Which disappointment's withered hands dispense ? 
Thou knowest the poison which o'erflowed from hence 
O'er Psyche's tedious, miserable hours. 
The unheeded notes of plaintive Innocence 
No longer sooth her soul with wonted powers, 
While false Disfida's tales her listening ear devours. 



Of rapid torrents and deep marshy fens, 
Of ambushed foes and unseen pits they tell, 
Of ruffians rushing from their secret dens, 
Of foul magicians and of wizard spell, 
The poisoned lance and net invisible ; 
While Psyche shuddering sees her knight betrayed 
Into the snares of some enchanter fell, 
Beholds him bleeding in the treacherous shade, 
Or hears his dying voice implore in vain for aid. 



125 



At length the cruel messengers return, 

Their trampling steeds sound welcome in her ear ; 

Her rapid feet the ground impatient spurn, 

As eagerly she flies their news to hear. 

Alas ! they bring no tidings which may cheer 

Her sorrowing soul opprest, disconsolate ! 

" Dismiss, 1 ' they cry, " each idly timid fear ! 

" No dangers now thy faithless knight await, 

Lured by a wanton fair to bowers of peaceful state. 



" We saw him blithely follow where she led, 
" And urged him to return to thee in vain : 
" Some other knight, insultingly he said, 
" Thy charms might soon for thy protection gain, 
" If still resolved to tread with weary pain 
" The tedious road to that uncertain land ; 
" But he should there contentedly remain ; 
" No other bliss could now his heart demand 
* Than that new lady's love and kindly proffered hand." 



126 



A while she stood in silent wonder lost, 
And scarce believes the strange abandonment ; 
No fears like this her heart had ever crost, 
Nor could she think his mind so lightly bent, 
Could swerve so quickly from its first intent ; 
Till sudden bursting forth in angry mood 
Disfida gave her indignation vent, 
" Ah, well I know," she cried, " that wicked brood 
" Whose cursed ensnaring arts in vain my cares with- 
stood. 



" Vile Varia's fickle and inconstant train, 
" Perpetual torments of my harassed days : 
" Their nightly thefts my fruits, my flowers sustain, 
" Their wanton goats o'er all my vineyards graze, 
" My corn lies scattered, and my fences blaze, 
" My friends, my followers they basely lure ; 
a I know their mischievous detested ways ! 
u My castle vainly have I built so sure 
" While from their treacherous wiles my life is insecure. 



127 



" But I will lead thee to the glittering sands, 
" Where shines their hollow many-coloured fane : 
" There, as the circling group fantastic stands, 
" Thy truant knight perhaps thou mayst regain 
" From the light arts of that seductive train." 
She paused — but Psyche spoke not in reply ; 
Her noble heart, which swelled with deep disdain, 
Forbad the utterance of a single sigh, 
And shamed the indignant tear which started to her eye. 



At length with firm, but gentle dignity, 
And cold averted eye, she thus replies : 
" No ! let him go : nor power nor wish have I 
" His conduct to control. Let this suffice ; 
" Before my path a surer guardian flies, 
" By whose direction onward I proceed 
" Soon as the morn's first light shall clear the skies." 
She ceased, then languishing her griefs to feed, 
Her cold dark chamber sought, from observation freed. 



128 



'Twas there regret indulged the bitter tear ; 
She feels herself forsaken and alone : 
" Behold,'"' she cries, u fulfilled is every fear, 
u Oh ! wretched Psyche, now indeed undone ! 
" Thy love's protecting care no more is shown, 
" He bids his servant leave thee to thy fate, 
" Nor longer will the hopeless wanderer own : 
" Some fairer, nobler spouse, some worthier mate, 
" At length by Venus given, shall share his heavenly 
state. 



" Oh ! most adored ! Oh ! most regretted love ! 
" Oh ! joys that never must again be mine, 
" And thou, lost hope, farewell ! — vainly I rove, 
" For never shall I reach that land divine, 
" Nor ever shall thy beams celestial shine 
" Again upon my sad unheeded way ! 
" Oh! let me here with life my woes resign, 
" Or in this gloomy den for ever stay, 
" And shun the scornful world, nor see detested day. 1 



129 



C{ But no ! those scenes are hateful to mine eyes, 
" And all who spoke or witnessed my disgrace ; 
" My soul with horror from this dwelling flies, 
" And seeks some tranquil, solitary place, 
" Where grief may finish life's unhappy race !" 
So past she the long night, and soon as Morn 
Had first begun to show his cheerful face, 
Her couch, which care had strewn with every thorn, 
With heavy heart she left, disquieted, forlorn. 



Not thus Disfida suffered her to part, 
But urged her there in safety to remain, 
Repeating oft to her foreboding heart, 
That fairy land she never could attain : 
But when she saw dissuasion was in vain, 
And Psyche bent her journey to pursue, 
With angry brow she called a trusty train, 
And bade them keep the imprudent fair in view, 
And guard her dangerous path with strict observance true. 



130 

In vain their proffered service she declines, 
And dreads the convoy of the scowling band ; 
Their hateful presence with her loss combines, 
She feels betrayed to the destroyer's hand, 
And trembling wanders o'er the dreary land ; 
While as she seeks to escape Disfida's power, 
Her efforts still the officious guards withstand, 
Led in vain circles many a tedious hour, 
Undistanced still she sees the gloomy turrets lower. 



Till, wearied with her fruitless way, at length 
Upon the ground her fainting limbs she threw ; 
No wish remained to aid exhausted strength, 
The mazy path she cared not to pursue, 
Since unavailing was the task she knew : 
Her murmuring guards to seek for food prepare, 
Yet mindful of their charge, still keep in view 
The drooping victim of their cruel care, 
Who sees the day decline in terror and despair. 



131 



Hark ! a low hollow groan she seems to hear 
Repeated oft ; wondering she looks around : 
It seems to issue from some cavern nea^ 
Or low hut hidden by the rising ground ; 
For, though it seemed the melancholy sound 
Of human voice, no human form was nigh ; 
Her eye no human habitation found, 
But as she listening gazed attentively, 
Her shuddering ears received the deep and long-drawn 
sigh. 



The guard who nearest stood now whispering said, 

" If aught of doubt remain within thy mind, 

" Or wish to know why thus thou wert betrayed, 

" Or what strange cause thy faithless knight inclined 

" To leave the charge he with such scorn resigned, 

" Each curious thought thou now mayst satisfy, 

" Since here the entrance of a cave we find, 

" Where dwells, deep hid from day's too garish eye, 

A sage whose magic skill can solve each mystery ." 



132 



He staid not her reply, but urged her on 
Reluctant to the dark and dreary cave ; 
No beam of cheerful Heaven had ever shone 
In the recesses of that gloomy grave, 
Where screaming owls their daily dwelling crave. 
One sickly lamp the wretched Master shewed ; 
Devouring fiend ! Who now the prey shall save 
From his fell gripe, whose hands in blood imbrued, 
In his own bosom seek his lacerated food ? 



On the damp ground he sits in sullen woe, 
But wildly rolls around his frenzied eye, 
And gnaws his withered lips, which still o'erflow 
With bitter gall ; in foul disorder he 
His black and matted locks ; anxiety 
Sits on his wrinkled brow and sallow cheek ; 
The wasted form, the deep-drawn, frequent sigh, 
Some slow-consuming malady bespeak, 
But medicinal skill the cause in vain shall seek. 



133 



€C Behold," the treacherous guard exclaimed, " behold, 
" At length Disfida sends thy promised bride ! 
" Let her, deserted by her knight, be told 
" What peerless lady lured him from her side ; 
" Thy cares her future safety must provide." 
Smiling maliciously as thus he spoke, 
He seemed her helpless anguish to deride ; 
Then swiftly rushing from the den he broke, 
Ere from the sudden shock astonished she awoke. 



She too had fled ; but when the wretch escaped 
He closed the cavern's mouth with cruel care ; 
And now the monster placed his form mis-shaped 
To bar the passage of the affrighted fair : 
Her spirits die, she breathes polluted air, 
And vaporous visions swim before her sight : 
His magic skill the sorcerer bids her share, 
And lo ! as in a glass, she sees her knight 
In bower remembered well, the bower of loose Delight. 



134 



But oh ! what words her feelings can impart ! 
Feelings to hateful envy near allied ! 
While on her knight her anxious glances dart : 
His plumed helmet, lo ! he lays aside ; 
His face with torturing agony she spied, 
Yet cannot from the sight her eyes remove ; 
No mortal knight she sees had aid supplied, 
No mortal knight in her defence had strove ; 
'Twas Love ! 'twas Love himself, her own adored Love. 



Poured in soft dalliance at a lady's feet, 
In fondest rapture he appeared to lie, 
While her fair neck with inclination sweet 
Bent o'er his graceful form her melting eye, 
Which his looked up to meet in ecstasy. 
Their words she heard not ; words had ne'er exprest 
What well her sickening fancy could supply, 
All that their silent eloquence confest, 
As breathed the sigh of fire from each impassioned breast. 



135 



While thus she gazed, her quivering lips turn pale ; 
Contending passions rage within her breast, 
Nor ever had she known such bitter bale, 
Or felt by such fierce agony opprest. 
Oft had her gentle heart been sore distrest, 
But meekness ever has a lenient power 
From anguish half his keenest darts to wrest ; 
Meekness for her had softened Sorrow's hour, 
Those furious fiends subdued which boisterous souls 
devour. 

For there are hearts that, like some sheltered lake, 
Ne'er swell with rage, nor foam with violence ; 
Though its sweet placid calm the tempests shake, 
Yet will it ne'er with furious impotence 
Dash its rude waves against the rocky fence, 
Which nature placed the limits of its reign : 
Thrice blest ! who feel the peace which flows from 

hence, 
Whom meek-eyed Gentleness can thus restrain ; 
Whate'er the storms of fate, with her let none complain ! 



136 



That mild associate Psyche now deserts, 
Unlovely passions agitate her soul, 
The vile magician all his art exerts, 
And triumphs to behold his proud control : 
Changed to a serpent's hideous form, he stole 
O'er her fair breast to suck her vital blood ; 
His poisonous involutions round her roll : 
Already is his forked tongue imbrued 
Warm in the stream of life, her heart's pure purple flood. 



Thus wretchedly she falls Geloso's prey ! 
But her, once more, unhoped-for aid shall save ! 
Admitted shines the clear blue light of day 
Upon the horrors of that gloomy grave ; 
Her knight's soft voice resounds through all the cave, 
The affrighted serpent quits his deadly hold, 
Nor dares the vengeance of his arm to brave, 
Shrunk to a spider's form, while many a fold 
Of self-spun web obscene the sorcerer vile enrolled. 



137 



Scarce had the star of his attendant youth 
Blazed through the cavern and proclaimed the knight, 
When all those spells and visions of untruth, 
Bred in dark Erebus and nursed in night, 
Dissolving vanished into vapour light ; 
While Psyche, quite exhausted by her pains, 
And hardly trusting her astonished sight, 
Now faint and speechless in his arms remains, 
Nor memory of the past, nor present sense retains. 



Borne from the cavern, and to life restored, 
Her opening eyes behold her knight once more, 
She sees whom lost with anguish she deplored ; 
Yet a half-feigned resentment still she bore, 
Nor sign of joy her face averted wore, 
Though joy unuttered panted at her heart ; 
In sullen silence much she pondered o'er 
What from her side induced him to depart, 
And all she since had seen by aid of magic art. 



138 



Was it then all a false deluding dream 
That wore the semblance of celestial Love ? 
On this her wavering thoughts bewildered seem 
At length to rest ; yet onward as they move, 
Though much his tender cares her doubts reprove, 
And though she longs to hear, and pardon all, 
Silence she still preserves : a while he strove 
Her free and cheerful spirits to recall, 
But found the task was vain ; his words unnoticed fall, 



Now in his turn offended and surprised, 
The knight in silence from her side withdrew ; 
With pain she marked it, but her pain disguised, 
And heedless seemed her journey to pursue, 
Nor backward deigned to turn one anxious view 
As oft she wished ; till mindful of his lord, 
Constance alarmed affectionately flew, 
Eager to see their mutual peace restored, 
And blamed her cold reserve in many a soft-breathed 
word. 



139 



" O Psyche ! wound not thus thy faithful knight, 
" Who fondly sought thee many an anxious hour, 
" Though bleeding yet from that inglorious fight, 
66 Where thou wert rescued from the savage power 
" Of that fell beast who would thy charms devour : 
" Still faint with wounds, he ceased not to pursue 
" Thy heedless course : let not displeasure lower 
" Thus on thy brow : think not his heart untrue ! 
" Think not that e'er from thee he willingly withdrew. ' 



With self-reproach and sweet returning trust, 
While yet he spoke, her generous heart replies, 
Soft melting pity bids her now be just, 
And own the error which deceived her eyes ; 
Her little pride she longs to sacrifice, 
And ask forgiveness of her suffering knight ; 
Her suffering knight, alas ! no more she spies, 
He has withdrawn offended from her sight, 
Nor can that gentle voice now hope to stay his flight. 



140 



Struggling no more her sorrows to restrain, 
Her streaming eyes look round with anxious fear ; 
Nor are those tender showers now shed in vain, 
Her soft lamenting voice has reached his ear, 
Where latent he had marked each precious tear ; 
Sudden as thought behold him at her feet ! 
Oh ! reconciling moment ! charm most dear ! 
What feeling heart thy pleasures would repeat, 
Or wish thy dearly purchased bliss, however sweet ? 



The smiles of joy which swell her glowing cheek, 
And o'er her parting lips divinely play, 
Returning pleasure eloquently speak, 
Forgetful of the tears which lingering stay, 
(Like sparkling dew-drops in a sunny day,) 
Unheeded tenants of rejoicing eyes ; 
His wounds her tender care can well repay : 
There grateful kindness breathes her balmy sighs, 
Beneath her lenient hand how swiftly suffering flies ! 



141 



Freed from the mazes of Disfida's groves, 
The opening landscape brightens to their view ; 
Psyche, with strength revived, now onward moves 
In cheerful hope, with courage to renew 
Repeated toils, and perils to pursue : 
Thus when some tender plant neglected pines, 
Shed o'er its pendent head the kindly dew, 
How soon refreshed its vivid lustre shines ! 
Once more the leaf expands, the drooping tendril twines. 



Thus cheered, the knight intreats her to impart 
The dangers which her way had since befel, 
Her timid lips refuse to speak the art 
Which clothed him in a form she loved so well : 
That she had thought him Love, she blushed to tell ! 
Confused she stopt ; a gentle pause ensued ; 
What chance had brought him to the demon's cell 
She then enquires ; what course he had pursued, 
And who his steps had led throughout the mazy wood. 



142 



Sooth he had much to say, though modest shame 
His gallant deeds forbade him to declare ; 
For while through those bewildering woods he came, 
Assisted by his page's active care, 
He had detected Varia's wily snare, 
And forced her wanton retinue to flee. 
With like disgrace, malignant in despair, 
Disfida's slaves their plots defeated see, 
Their feeble malice scorned, their destined victims free. 



But he had marked the traces of their feet, 
And found the path which to the cavern led : 
Whence now, rejoicing in reunion sweet, 
Their way together cheerfully they tread, 
Exempt a while from danger and from dread ; 
While Psyche's heart, with confidence more bold, 
Full oft the hour of rapture pictured, 
When those celestial charms she should behold, 
And feel the arms of Love once more his bride enfold. 



CANTO V. 



ARGUMENT. 

Introduction — Charm of Poetry — Psyche beholds the 
palace of Chastity — Pleads for the admission of her 
Knight — Obtains it through the intervention of Hy- 
men — Hymn celebrating the triumphs of Chastity — 
Psyche, enraptured , desires to devote herself solely to 
the service of Chastity — Entrusted by her to the pro- 
tection of the Knight — Psyche's Voyage — Tempest- 
Coast of Spleen — Psyche received and sheltered by 
Patience. 



CANTO V. 



Delightful visions of my lonely hours ! 
Charm of my life and solace of my care ! 
Oh ! would the muse but lend proportioned powers, 
And give me language, equal to declare 
The wonders which she bids my fancy share, 
When rapt in her to other worlds I fly, 
See angel forms unutterably fair, 
And hear the inexpressive harmony 
That seems to float on air, and warble through the sky. 



146 



Might I the swiftly glancing scenes recal I 
Bright as the roseate clouds of summer's eve, 
The dreams which hold my soul in willing thrall, 
And half my visionary days deceive, 
Communicable shape might then receive, 
And other hearts be ravished with the strain : 
But scarce I seek the airy threads to weave, 
When quick confusion mocks the fruitless pain, 
And all the fairy forms are vanished from my brain. 



Fond dreamer ! meditate thine idle song ? 
But let thine idle song remain unknown : 
The verse, which cheers thy solitude, prolong ; 
What, though it charm no moments but thine own, 
Though thy loved Psyche smile for thee alone, 
Still shall it yield thee pleasure, if not fame, 
And when, escaped from tumult, thou hast flown 
To thy dear silent hearth's enlivening flame, 
There shall the tranquil muse her happy votary claim 



147 



My Psyche's wanderings then she loves to trace ; 
Unrols the glowing canvas to my sight ; 
Her chaste calm eye, her soft attractive grace, 
The lightning of her heavenly smile so bright, 
All yield me strange and unconceived delight : 
Even now entranced her journey I pursue, 
And gaze enraptured on her matchless knight ; 
Visions of love, pure, innocent, and true ! 
Oh ! may your graceful forms for ever bless my view ! 



See as they tread the green, soft-levelled plain, 
Where never weed, nor noxious plant was found ! 
Psyche, enchanted, bids her knight explain 
Who rules that lovely and well-cultured ground, 
Where fairest flowers and purest springs abound 
" Oh ! object of my anxious cares," (he cried, 
^.s with a half-breathed sigh he gazed around,) 
" A stranger here, full oft I vainly tried 
" Admittance to obtain, and sooth the sovereign's pride. 



148 

" Here Castabella reigns, whose brow severe 
" Oft chilled my sanguine spirit by its frown ; 
" Yet have I served her with adoring fear, 
" Though her ungrateful scorn will oft disown 
" The faithful homage by her servant shown ; 
" Me she hath banished from her fair domain, 
" For crimes my loyal heart had never known ; 
" While thus excluded vainly I complain, 
And feel another's guilt my injured honour stain. 



" With false assumption of my arms and name, 
" Knight of the Bleeding Heart miscalled too long, 
" A vile impostor has disgraced my fame, 
" And much usurped by violence and wrong, 
" Which to the virgin queen by right belong; 
" On me her irritated vengeance falls, 
" On me, repulsed by force of arms so strong 
" That, never suffered to approach her walls, 
Unheard, indignant Truth in vain for justice calls. 



149 



<c Yet she alone our progress can assist, 
" And thou, Oh Psyche ! must her favour gain ; 
" Nor from thy soft entreaties e'er desist 
" Till thou free entrance for thy knight obtain ; 
" Here let his faithful services remain 
" Fixed on thy grateful heart ! nor thou consent, 
" Nor let their force thy gentleness constrain 
" To leave him, thus disgraced, yet innocent, 
" Thine undeserved neglect forsaken to lament." 



While yet he speaks, before her ravished eyes 
The brilliant towers of Castabella shine : 
The sun that views them from unclouded skies 
Sheds not through heaven a radiance more divine ; 
The adamantine walls with strength combine 
Inimitable lustre ever clear ; 
Celestial temple ! 'tis not lips like mine 
Thy glories can reveal to mortal ear, 
Or paint the unsullied beams which blaze for ever here. 



150 



Approaching now the well-defended gates, 
Which placed at distance guard the sacred fane, 
Their lowly suit a stern repulse awaits ; 
The timid voice of Psyche pleads in vain, 
Nor entrance there together can they gain : 
While yet they stay, unwilling to retreat, 
The dove, swift-sailing through the etherial plain, 
Has reached already Castabella's seat, 
And in her spotless breast has found a welcome sweet. 



Caressing oft her well-remembered guest, 
Serener smiles illumed her softened brow ; 
The heaven-sent messenger her soul confest, 
And mildly listened to his murmurs low, 
Which seemed in pleading eloquence to flow; 
His snowy pinions then he wide displayed, 
And gently lured her from her throne to go 
Even to the gates, where Psyche blushing stayed 
Beside her awe-struck knight half doubtingly afraid. 






151 



That form majestic might the bravest awe : 
Yet Psyche gazed. with love unmixed with fear, 
And felt those charms her soul attracted draw 
As to maternal tenderness most dear ; 
Congenial souls ! they at one glance appear 
Linked to each other by a mutual tie : 
Her courteous voice invites her to draw near, 
And lo ! obedient to their sovereign's eye, 
To Psyche's willing steps the barriers open fly. 



But to the lion, and his gallant lord, 
Sudden the affrighted guards the portals close. 
Psyche looks back, and mindful of her word, 
Mindful of him who saved her from her foes, 
Guide of her course and soother of her woes, 
The tear that started to her downcast eye, 
The deepening blush which eloquently rase, 
Silent assistant of the pleading sigh, 
To speed the unuttered suit their powers persuasive try. 



152 



And now the knight, encouraged to approach, 
Asserts his injured fame, and justice claims, 
Confutes each charge, repels each foul reproach, 
And each accusing falsehood boldly shames, 
While conscious Innocence his tongue inflames : 
A firm attachment to her reign he vows, 
The base impostor's guilty madness blames, 
And, while the imputed crimes his spirit rouse, 
No intercourse with him his nobler soul allows. 



Mean time his faithful page had not been mute, 
And he had found a ready warm ally ; 
For (while his master urged the eager suit) 
As through the goodly train he cast his eye, 
He chanced exulting 'mid the group to spy 
A joyous youth, his fondly-cherished friend ; 
Hymen, the festive, love-attending boy, 
Delighted his assistance hastes to lend, 
Laughing unbars the gates, and bids the parley end. 






153 



Around their queen the timid virgins crowd, 
Who half-Consentingly receives the knight, 
And checks her sportive boy, whose welcome loud 
Speaks his gay triumph and his proud delight : 
Yet graceful smiles her happy guests invite 
To share the feast with sacred honours blest ; 
The palace opens to their dazzled sight ; 
Still as they gazed, the adoring eye confest 
That wondering awe which filled each consecrated breast. 



All was divine, yet still the fairest queen 
Like Dian 'mid her circling nymphs appeared, 
Or as Minerva on Parnassus seen, 
When condescendingly with smiles she cheered 
The silent Muses who her presence feared : 
A starry crown its heavenly radiance threw 
O'er her pale cheek ; for there the rose revered 
The purer lilies of her saint-like hue, 
Yet oft the mantling blush its transient visits knew. 



154 

The hand of Fate, which wove of spotless white 
Her wondrous robe, bade it unchangeable 
Preserve unsullied its first lustre bright, 
Nor e'er might be renewed that sacred spell 
If once destroyed ; wherefore to guard it well 
Two hand-maids she entrusts with special care, 
Prudence and Purity, who both excel, 
The first in matron dignity of air, 
The last in blooming youth unalterably fair. 



Favourite of heaven ! she at her birth received 
With it the brilliant zone that bound her waist, 
Which, were the earth of sun and stars bereaved, 
By its own light beneficently cast 
Could cheer the innocent, and guide the chaste : 
Nor armour ever had the virgin bore, 
Though oft in warlike scenes her youth she past, 
For while her breast this dazzling cestus wore, 
The foe who dared to gaze beheld the light no more. 



155 



But when her placid hours in peace are spent, 
Concealed she bids its latent terrors lie, 
Sheathed in a silken scarf, with kind intent 
Wove by the gentle hand of Modesty ; 
And see, the blushing maid with down-cast eye 
Behind her mistress hides her charms retired ! 
While, foremost of the group, of stature high, 
Firm Courage lifts her brow by Truth inspired. 
Who holds a crystal lamp in flames celestial fired. 



See, fresh as Hebe, blooming Temperance stand, 
Present the nectared fruits, and crown the bowl ! 
While bright-eyed Honour leads the choral band, 
Whose songs divine can animate the soul, 
Led willing captive to their high control : 
They sing the triumphs of their spotless queen, 
And proudly bid immortal fame enrol 
Upon her fairest page such as had been 
The champions of her cause, the favourites of her reign. 



156 



From Pallas first begins the lofty song, 
And Cynthia, brightest goddess of the skies ; 
To her the virgin deities belong, 
And each beholds her with a sister's eyes ; 
The mystic honours next of Fauna rise ; 
Her solemn rites which purest hands require ; 
And Vesta, who her virgins taught to prize, 
And guard the sacred symbols of the fire 
Which earth could ne'er revive if suffered to expire. 



Emblem divine of female purity ! 
Whose trust betrayed to like sad fate shall doom ; 
Pursued by scorn, consigned to infamy, 
The hapless victims perish in their bloom 
'Mid the dark horrors of a living tomb ; 
Effulgent queen ! thou wilt the pure defend 
From the dark night of this opprobrious gloom ; 
Nor even with life thy favouring smiles shall end, 
They bid illustrious fame beyond the grave extend. 



157 



First of the noble youths whose virtue shone 
Conspicuous chief in Castabella's train, 
They sing the firm unmoved Bellerophon ; 
And Peleus flying the Magnesian plain, 
Pursued by all a wanton's fierce disdain. 
You too, Hippolytus, their songs employ ! 
Beloved by Phaedra, but beloved in vain ; 
With the chaste honours of the Hebrew boy, 
Which time shall ne'er obscure, nor idle scorn destroy. 



Nor was unsung whom on Hymettus' brow 
The bright Aurora wooed with amorous care ; 
He, mindful of his sacred nuptial vow, 
Refused the goddess though celestial fair, 
Breathing pure perfumes and ambrosial air : 
Of wanton Circe's baffled arts they tell, 
And him, too wise her treacherous cup to share, 
Who scorned the enchantress, and her mystic spell, 
And all the Syrens' arts could gloriously repel. 



158 



The long-tried virtue of his faithful spouse 
Now sweetly animates the tuneful string, 
Unsullied guardian of her virgin vows ! 
Who twice ten years had wept her wandering king. 
Acastus"' mourning daughter next they sing ; 
The chaste embrace which clasped her husband's shade : 
And thee, Dictynna ! who, with daring spring, 
Called from the Cretan rock on Dian's aid : 
And still the goddess loves her favourite luckless maid. 



Pleased to assume herself a name so dear, 
She bids her altars to Dictynna rise, 
Thus called, she ever turns, with willing ear, 
To aid each nymph who for her succour cries. 
See how the trembling Arethusa flies 
Through pathless woods, o'er rocks and open plains ; 
In vain to escape the ravisher she tries, 
Fast on her rapid flight Alpheus gains, 
And scarce her fainting strength the unequal course 
sustains. 



159 



And now more near his dreaded step she hears. 

His lengthened shadow flies before her feet, 

Now o'er her neck his panting breath appears 

To part her locks, which, in disorder sweet, 

Ambitious seemed to fan the fervid heat 

That flushed her glowing cheek and heightened charms 

Hear how her gasping sighs for aid entreat ! 

" Dictynna ! pitying see my just alarms, 

And snatch thy fainting maid from those polluting 



The goddess hears, and in a favouring cloud 
Conceals her suppliant from Alpneus' sight ; 
In vain he looks around, and calls aloud, 
And wondering seeks the traces of her flight : 
Enveloped, still she views him with affright, 
An icy coldness creeps o'er all her frame, 
And soon, dissolving in a current bright, 
The silver stream retains her honoured name, 
And still unmingled flows, and guards its virgin fame. 



160 



'Twas thus Castalia's sacred fountain sprung, 
Once a fair nymph by bright Apollo loved : 
To Daphne too his amorous strain he sung, 
But sung in vain : her heart remained unmoved, 
No vain delight her modest virtue proved 
To be the theme of all his wanton lays : 
To shun the god the silvan scene she roved ; 
Nor prized the flattery of his tuneful praise, 
Nor one relenting smile his splendid gifts could raise. 



Yet were his lips with eloquence endued, 
And melting passion warbled o'er his lyre, 
And had she yielding listened as he wooed, 
The virgin sure had caught the kindling fire, 
And fallen a victim to impure desire ; 
For safety cautious flight alone remained, 
While tears of trembling innocence require- 
Her parents' aid : and lo ! that aid obtained, 
How suddenly her charms immortal laurels gained ! 



161 



Dear to the Muses still her honours live : 
And they too glory in their virgin name ; 
To pure delights their tranquil hours they give, 
And fear to mingle with a grosser flame 
The chaster fires which heaven hath bid them claim : 
They smiled when Pan, on Ladon's banks deceived, 
The fair Syringa clasped, who, snatched from shame, 
Already had her tuneful form received, 
And to the breathing winds in airy music grieved. 



Still in that tuneful form to Dian dear 
She bids it injured Innocence befriend ; 
Commands her train the sentence to revere, 
And in her grove the vocal reeds suspend 
Which Virtue may from calumny defend : 
Self-breathed, when virgin purity appears, 
What notes melodious they spontaneous send ! 
While the rash guilty nymph with horror hears 
Deep groans declare her shame to awe-struck wondering 
ears. 

M 



162 



The spotless virgins shall unhurt approach 
The stream's rude ordeal, and the sacred fire 
See the pure maid, indignant of reproach, 
The dreadful test of innocence require 
Amid the holy priests and virgin choir ! 
See her leap fearless on the blazing shrine ! 
The lambent flames, bright-circling, all aspire 
Innoxious wreaths around her form to twine, 
And crown with lustrous beams the virgin's brow divine. 






Nor was the daring Clusia then unsung, 
Who plunged illustrious from the lofty tower ; 
The favouring winds around the virgin clung, 
And bore her harmless from the tyrant's power : 
Nor those, whom Vesta in the trying hour 
Protects from slander, and restores to fame; 
Nor Clelia, shielded from the arrowy shower ; 
Nor thou I whose purest hands the Sibyls claim, 
And bid the modest fane revere Sulpicia's name. 



163 



O'er her soft cheek how arch the dimples play, 
While pleased the goddess hears Sinope's wiles ! 
How oft she mocked the changeful lord of day, 
And many a silvan god who sought her smiles : 
But chief when Jove her innocence beguiles ; 
" Grant me a boon,'" the blushing maid replies, 
Urged by his suit : hope o'er his amorous toils 
Exulting dawns :— " Thine oath is past," she cries ; 
Unalterably pure thy spotless virgin dies !" 



Rome shall for ages boast Lucretia's name ! 
And while its temples moulder into dust 
Still triumph in Virginia's rescued fame, 
And Scipio's victory over baffled lust : — 
Even now the strain prophetically just, 
In unborn servants bids their queen rejoice, 
And in her British beauties firmly trust ; 
Thrice happy fair ! who still adore her voice, 
The blushing virgin's law, the modest matron's choice ! 



164 



Psyche with ravished ear the strain attends, 
Enraptured hangs upon the heaven-strung lyre ; 
Her kindling soul from sensual earth ascends ; 
To joys divine her purer thoughts aspire ; 
She longs to join the white-robed spotless choir, 
And there for ever dwell a hallowed guest : 
Even Love himself no longer can inspire 
The wishes of the soft enthusiast's breast, 
Who, filled with sacred zeal, would there for ever rest ; 



Despising every meaner low pursuit, 
And quite forgetful of her amorous care, 
All heedless of her knight, who sad and mute 
With wonder hears the strange ungrateful fair, 
A prostrate suppliant, pour the fervent prayer 
To be received in CastabehVs train, 
And that in tranquil bliss secluded there, 
Her happy votary still she might remain, 
Free from each worldly care, and each polluting stain. 



165 



With gracious smile the Queen her favourite heard, 
And fondly raised, and clasped her to her breast ; 
A beam of triumph in her eye appeared, 
While ardent Psyche offered her request, 
Which to the indignant knight her pride confest : 
" Farewell, mistaken Psyche !" he exclaims, 
Rising at length with grief and shame opprest, 
" Since thy false heart a spouse divine disclaims, 
I leave thee to the pomp which here thy pride inflames. 



" Yet stay, impetuous youth," the Queen replies, 

Abashed, irresolute as Psyche stands, 

" My favourite's happiness too dear I prize, 

" Far other services my soul demands 

" Than those which here in these sequestered lands 

u Her zeal would pay : no, let her bear my fame 

" Even to the bowers where Love himself commands 

" There shall my votary reign secure from blame, 

And teach his myrtle groves to echo to my name. 



166 



" My lovely servant still defend from harms, 
" And stem with her yon strong opposing tide : 
" Haste, bear her safely to her lover's arms ! 
" Be it thy care with steady course to guide 
" The light-winged bark I will myself provide. 
" Depart in peace ! thou chosen of my heart ! 
" Leave not thy faithful knight's protecting side. 
" Dear to me both, oh may no treacherous art 
"Your kindred souls divide, your fair alliance part 



" Here rest to-night ! to-morrow shall prepare 
" The vessel which your destined course shall speed. 
" Lo ! I consign my Psyche to thy care, 
" O gallant youth ! for so hath Fate decreed, 
"And Love himself shall pay the generous meed." 
She said, and joined their unreluctant hands. 
The grateful knight, from fear and sorrow freed, 
Receives with hope revived the dear commands, 
And Psyche's modest eye no other law demands. 



167 

Now Peace, with downy step and silent hand, 
Prepares for each the couch of soft repose : 
Fairest attendant ! she with whispers bland 
Bids the obedient eye in slumbers close; 
She too the first at early morning goes 
With light-foot Cheerfulness the guests to greet, 
Who, soothed by quiet dreams, refreshed arose, 
Ready the labours of the day to meet ; 
But first due homage pay at Castabella's feet. 



Bright was the prospect which before them shone ; 
Gay danced the sun-beams o'er the trembling waves 
Who that the faithless ocean had not known, 
Which now the strand in placid whispers laves, 
Could e'er believe the rage with which it raves 
When angry Boreas bids the storm arise, 
And calls his wild winds from their wintry caves ? 
Now soft Favonius breathes his gentlest sighs, 
Auspicious omens wait, serenely smile the skies. 



168 



The eager mariners now seize the oar, 
The streamers flutter in the favouring gale. 
Nor unattended did they leave the shore : 
Hymen, whose smiles shall o'er mischance prevail, 
Sits at the helm, or spreads the swelling sail : 
Swift through the parting waves the vessel flies, 
And now at distance scarce can Psyche hail 
The shore, so fast receding from her eyes, 
Or bless the snowy cliffs which o'er the coast arise. 



Pleased with her voyage and the novel scene, 
Hope's vivid ray her cheerful heart expands : 
Delighted now she eyes the blue serene, 
The purple hills, and distant rising lands, 
Or, when the sky the silver queen commands, 
In pleasing silence listens to the oar 
Dashed by the frequent stroke of equal hands ; 
Or asks her knight if yet the promised shore 
May bless her longing eyes when morn shall light restore ? 



169 



The impatient question oft repeated thus 
He smiling hears, and still with many a tale, 
Or song of heavenly lore unknown to us 
Beguiles the live-long night, or flagging sail, 
When the fresh breeze begins their bark to fail. 
Strong ran the tide against the vessePs course, 
And much they need the kind propitious gale 
Steady to bear against its rapid force, 
And aid the labouring oars, their tedious last resource. 



But lo ! the blackening surface of the deep 
With sullen murmurs now begins to swell, 
On ruffled wing the screaming sea-fowl sweep 
The unlovely surge, and piteous seem to tell 
How from the low-hung clouds with fury fell 
The demons of the tempest threatening rage ; 
There, brooding future terrors, yet they dwell, 
Till with collected force dread war they wage, 
And in convulsive gusts the adverse winds engage. 



170 



The trembling Psyche, supplicating Heaven, 
Lifts to the storm her fate-deploring eye, 
Sees o'er her head the livid lightnings driven : 
Then, turned in horror from the blazing sky, 
Clings to her knight in speechless agony : 
He all his force exerts the bark to steer, 
And bids the mariners each effort try 
To escape the rocky coast which threatens near, 
For Hymen taught the youth that dangerous shore to 
fear. 



Who has not listened to his tuneful lay, 
That sings so well the hateful cave of Spleen ? 
Those lands, submitted to her gloomy sway, 
Now open to their view a drearpjgjpie. 
As the sad subjects of the sullen queen 
Hang o'er the cliffs, and blacken all the strand; 
And where the entrance of the cave is seen 
A peevish, fretful, melancholy band, 
Her ever wrangling slaves, in jarring concert stand- 



171 



Driven by the hurricane they touch the shore, 
The frowning guards prepare to seize their prey, 
The knight (attentive to the helm no more) 
Resumes his arms, and bids his shield display 
Its brilliant orb : " Psyche, let no dismay 
" Possess thy gentle breast,"" he cheerly cries, 
" Behind thy knight in fearless safety stay, 
" Smile at the dart which o'er thee vainly flies, 
" Secure from each attack their powerless rage despise. 



" Soon shall the fury of the winds be past, 
" Serener skies shall brighten to our view, 
" Let us not yield to the imperious blast 
" Which now forbids our vessel to pursue 
" Its purposed course ; soon shall the heavens renew 
" Their calm clear smile ; and soon our coward foes, 
" Despairing thus our courage to subdue, 
" Shall cease their idle weapons to oppose, 
" And unmolested Peace restore our lost repose." 



172 



Still as he spoke, where'er he turned his shield 
The darts drop quivering from each slackened bow, 
Unnerved each arm, no force remains to wield 
The weighty falchion, or the javelin throw ; 
Each voice half choked expires in murmurs low, 
A dizzy mist obscures their wondering sight, 
Their eyes no more their wonted fury know, 
With stupid awe they gaze upon the knight, 
Or, as his voice they hear, trembling disperse in flight. 



Yet raged the storm with unabated power ; 
A little creek the labouring vessel gains ; 
There they resolve to endure the blustering hour, 
The dashing billows, and the beating rains. 
Soon as the bark the sheltering bay attains, 
And in the shallows moored securely rides, 
Attentive still to soften all her pains, 
The watchful knight for Psyche's ease provides ; 
Some fisher's hut perchance the shelving harbour hides. 



173 



Deep in the steril bank a grotto stood, 
Whose winding caves repel the inclement air, 
Worn in the hollowed rock by many a flood 
And sounding surge that dashed its white foam there. 
The refuge now of a defenceless fair, 
Who issuing thence, with courteous kind intent 
Approached the knight, and kindly bade him share 
Whatever good indulgent heaven had lent 
To cheer her hapless years in lonely suffering spent. 



More sweet than Health's fresh bloom the wan hue 

seemed 
Which sat upon her pallid cheek ; her eye, 
Her placid eye, with dove-like softness beamed ; 
Her head unshielded from the pitiless sky, 
Loose to the rude wild blast her tresses fly, 
Bare were her feet which pressed the shelly shore 
With firm unshrinking step ; while smilingly 
She eyes the dashing billows as they roar, 
And braves the boisterous storms so oft endured before. 



174 



Long had she there in silent sorrow dwelt, 
And many a year resigned to grief had known ; 
Spleen's cruel insolence she oft had felt, 
But never would the haughty tyrant own, 
Nor heed the darts which, from a distance thrown, 
Screened by her cavern she could safely shun ; 
The thorny brakes she trod for food alone, 
Drank the cold stream which near the grotto run, 
And bore the winter's frosts and scorching summer's sun. 



In early youth, exchanging mutual vows, 
Courage had wooed and won his lovely bride ; 
Tossed on those stormy seas, her daring spouse 
From her fond arms the cruel waves divide, 
And dashed her fainting on that rock's rough side. 
Still hope she keeps, and still her constant heart 
Expects to hail with each returning tide 
His dear remembered bark ; hence can no art 
From those unlovely scenes induce her to depart. 



175 



When the vexed seas their~ stormy mountains roll, 
She loves the shipwrecked mariner to cheer ; 
The trembling wretch escaped from Spleen's control, 
Deep in her silent cell conceals his fear, 
And panting finds repose and refuge here ; 
Benevolently skilled each wound to heal, 
To her the sufferer flies, with willing ear 
She wooes them all their anguish to reveal, 
And while she speaks, they half forget the woes they 
feel. 



Now to her cave has Patience gently brought 
Psyche, yet shuddering at the fearful blast, 
Largely she heaped with hospitable thought 
The blazing pile, and spread the pure repast ; 
O'er her chilled form her own soft mantle cast, 
And soothed her wearied spirits to repose, 
Till all the fury of the storm is past, 
Till swift-receding clouds the heavens disclose, 
And o'er subsiding waves pacific sunshine glows. 



CANTO VI 



ARGUMENT. 

Introduction — The power of Love to soften adversity — 
Exhortation to guard Love from the attacks of Ill- 
temper, which conduct to Indifference and Disgust — 
Psyche becalmed — Psyche surprised and carried to the 
Island of Indifference — Pursued and rescued by her 
Knight — The Voyage concluded — Psyche brought home 
beholds again the Temple of Love — Is reunited to her 
Lover, and invited by Venus to receive in Heaven her 
Apotheosis — Conclusion. 



CANTO VI. 



When pleasure sparkles in the cup of youth, 
And the gay hours on downy wing advance, 
Oh ! then 'tis sweet to hear the lip of Truth 
Breathe the soft vows of love, sweet to entrance 
The raptured soul by intermingling glance 
Of mutual bliss ; sweet amid roseate bowers, 
Led by the hand of Love, to weave the dance, 
Or unmolested crop life's fairy flowers, 
Or bask in joy's bright sun through calm unclouded hours. 



180 



Yet they, who light of heart in May-day pride 
Meet love with smiles and gaily amorous song, 
(Though he their softest pleasures may provide, 
Even then when pleasures in full concert throng,) 
They cannot know with what enchantment strong 
He steals upon the tender suffering soul, 
What gently soothing charms to him belong, 
How melting sorrow owns his soft control, 
Subsiding passions hushed in milder waves to roll. 



When vexed by cares and harassed by distress, 
The storms of fortune chill thy soul with dread, 
Let Love, consoling Love ! still sweetly bless, 
And his assuasive balm benignly shed : 
His downy plumage o'er thy pillow spread, 
Shall lull thy weeping sorrows to repose ; 
To Love the tender heart hath ever fled, 
As on its mother's breast the infant throws 
Its sobbing face, and there in sleep forgets its woes. 



181 



Oh ! fondly cherish then the lovely plant, 

Which lenient Heaven hath given thy pains to ease ; 

Its lustre shall thy summer hours enchant, 

And load with fragrance every prosperous breeze, 

And when rude Winter shall thy roses seize, 

When nought through all thy bowers but thorns 

remain, 
This still with undeciduous charms shall please, 
Screen from the blast and shelter from the rain, 
And still with verdure cheer the desolated plain. 



Through the hard season Love with plaintive note 
Like the kind red-breast tenderly shall sing, 
Which swells 'mid dreary snows its tuneful throat, 
Brushing the cold dews from its shivering wing, 
With cheerful promise of returning spring 
To the mute tenants of the leafless grove. 
Guard thy best treasure from the venomed sting 
Of baneful peevishness ; oh ! never prove 
How soon ill-temper's power can banish gentle Love 1 



182 



Repentance may the storms of passion chase, 
And Love, who shrunk affrighted from the blast, 
May hush his just complaints in soft embrace, k 
And smiling wipe his tearful eye at last : 
Yet when the wind's rude violence is past, 
. Look what a wreck the scattered fields display ! 
See on the ground the withering blossoms cast ! 
And hear sad Philomel with piteous lay 
Deplore the tempesfs rage that swept her young away. 



The tears capricious Beauty loves to shed, 
The pouting lip, the sullen silent tongue, 
May wake the impassioned lover's tender dread, 
And touch the spring that clasps his soul so strong ; 
But ah, beware ! the gentle power too long 
Will not endure the frown of angry strife ; 
He shuns contention, and the gloomy throng 
Who blast the joys of calm domestic life, 
And flies when Discord shakes her brand with quarrels 
rife. 



183 



Oh ! he will tell you that these quarrels bring 
The ruin, not renewal of his flame : 
If oft repeated, lo ! on rapid wing 
He flies to hide his fair but tender frame ; 
From violence, reproach, or peevish blame 
Irrevocably flies. Lament in vain ! 
Indifference comes the abandoned heart to claim, 
Asserts for ever her repulsive reign, 
Close followed by Disgust and all her chilling train. 



Indifference, dreaded power ! what art shall save 
The good so cherished from thy grasping hand ? 
How shall young Love escape the untimely grave 
Thy treacherous arts prepare ? or how withstand 
The insidious foe, who with her leaden band 
Enchains the thoughtless, slumbering deity ? 
Ah, never more to wake ! or e'er expand 
His golden pinions to the breezy sky, 
Or open to the sun his dim and languid eye. 



184 



Who can describe the hopeless, silent pang 
With which the gentle heart first marks her sway ? 
Eyes the sure progress of her icy fang 
Resistless, slowly fastening on her prey ; 
Sees rapture's brilliant colours fable away, 
And all the glow of beaming sympathy ; 
Anxious to watch the cold averted ray 
That speaks no more to the fond meeting eye 
Enchanting tales of love, and tenderness, and joy. 



Too faithful heart f thou never canst retrieve 
Thy withered hopes : conceal the cruel pain ! 
O'er thy lost treasure still in silence grieve ; 
But never to the unfeeling ear complain : 
From fruitless struggles dearly bought refrain ! 
Submit at once — the bitter task resign, 
Nor watch and fan the expiring flame in vain ; 
Patience, consoling maid, may yet be thine, 
Go seek her quiet cell, and hear her voice divine ! 



185 



But lo i the joyous sun, the soft-breathed gales 
By zephyrs sent to kiss the placid seas, 
Curl the green wave, and fill the swelling sails ; 
The seamen's shouts, which jocund hail the breeze, 
Call the glad knight the favouring hour to seize. 
Her gentle hostess Psyche oft embraced, 
Who still solicitous her guest to please, 
On her fair breast a talisman had placed, 
And with the valued gem her parting blessing graced. 



How gaily now the bark pursues its way 
Urged by the steady gale ! while round the keel 
The bubbling currents in sweet whispers play, 
Their force repulsive now no more they feel ; 
No clouds the unsullied face of heaven conceal, 
But the clear azure one pure dome displays, 
Whether it bids the star of day reveal 
His potent beams, or Cynthia's milder rays 
On deep cerulean skies invite the eye to gaze. 



186 



Almost unconscious they their course pursue, 
So smooth the vessel cuts the watery plain ; 
The wide horizon to their boundless view 
Gives but the sky, and Neptune's ample reign : 
Still the unruffled bosom of the main 
Smiles undi versified by varying wind ; 
No toil the idle mariners sustain, 
While, listless, slumbering o'er his charge reclined, 
The pilot cares no more the unerring helm to mind. 



With light exulting heart glad Psyche sees 
Their rapid progress as they quit the shore : 
Yet weary languor steals by slow degrees 
Upon her tranquil mind ; she joys no more 
The never-changing scene to wander o'er 
With still admiring eye ; the enchanting song 
Yields not that lively charm it knew before, 
When first enraptured by his tuneful tongue 
She bad her vocal knight the heavenly strain prolong. 



187 



A damp chill mist now deadens all the air, 
A drowsy dulness seems o'er all to creep, 
No more the heavens their smile of brightness wear, 
The winds are hushed, while the dim glassy deep 
Oppressed by sluggish vapours seems to sleep ; 
See his light scarf the knight o'er Psyche throws, 
Solicitous his lovely charge to keep 
From still increasing cold ; while deep repose 
Benumbs each torpid sense, and bids her eye-lids close. 



Now as with languid stroke they ply the oars, 
While the dense fog obscures their gloomy way ; 
Hymen, well used to coast these dangerous shores, 
Roused from the dreaming trance in which he lay, 
Cries to the knight in voice of dread dismay, 
" Steer hence thy bark, oh ! yet in time beware ; 
" Here lies Petrea, which with baneful sway 
" Glacella rules, I feel the dank cold air, 
I hear her chilling voice, methinks it speaks despair P 



188 

Even while he speaks, behold the vessel stands 
Immoveable ! in vain the pilot tries 
The helm to turn ; fixed in the shallow strands, 
No more obedient to his hand, it lies, 
The disappointed oar no aid supplies 
While sweeping o'er the sand it mocks their force. 
The anxious knight to Constance now applies, 
To his oft-tried assistance has recourse, 
And bids his active mind design some swift resource. 



Debating doubtfully awhile they stood, 
At length on their united strength rely, 
To force the bark on the supporting flood ; 
They rouse the seamen, who half slumbering lie, 
Subdued and loaded by the oppressive sky. 
Then wading 'mid the fog, with care explore 
What side the deepest waters may supply, 
And where the shallows least protect the shore, 
While through their darksome search the star sheds 
light before. 



189 



Mean time deep slumbers of the vaporous mist 
Hang on the heavy eye-lids of the fair ; 
And Hymen too, unable to resist 
The drowsy force of the o'erwhelming air, 
Laid at her feet at length forgets his care. 
When lo ! GlacehVs treacherous slaves advance, 
Deep wrapt in thickest gloom ; the sleeping fair 
They seize, and bear away in heedless trance, 
Long ere her guardian knight suspects the bitter chance. 



Thus the lorn traveller imprudent sleeps 
Where his high glaciers proud Locendro shews ; 
Thus o'er his limbs resistless torpor creeps, 
As yielding to the fatal deep repose 
He sinks benumbed upon the Alpine snows, 
And sleeps no more to wake ; no more to view 
The blooming scenes his native vales disclose, 
Or ever more the craggy path pursue, 
Or o'er the lichened steep the chamois chase renew, 



190 



Lo ! to their queen they bear their sleeping prey, 
Deep in her ice-built castled gloomy state, 
There on a pompous couch they gently lay 
Psyche, as yet unconscious of her fate, 
And when her heavy eyes half opening late 
Dimly observe the strange and unknown scenes, 
As in a dream she views her changed estate, 
Gazing around with doubtful, troubled mien 
Now on the stupid crowd, now on their dull proud queen. 



With vacant smile, and words but half exprest, 
In one ungracious, never-varying tone, 
Glacella welcomes her bewildered guest, 
And bids the chief supporter of her throne 
Approach and make their mighty mistress known, 
Proud Selfishness, her dark ill-favoured lord ! 
Her gorgeous seat, which still he shared alone, 
He slowly leaves obedient to her word, 
And ever as he moved the cringing train adored. 



191 



Nought of his shapeless form to sight appears, 
Impenetrable furs conceal each part ; 
Harsh and unpleasing sounds in Psyche's ears 
That voice which had subdued full many a heart 
While he, exerting every specious art, 
Persuades her to adore their queen's control ; 
Yet would he not Glacella's name impart, 
But with false title, which she artful stole 
From fair Philosophy, deludes the erring soul, 



" Rest, happy fair !" he cries, " who here hast found 
" From all the storms of life a safe retreat, 
" Sorrow thy breast henceforth no more shall wound, 
" Nor Care invade thee in this qu ; et seat ; 
" The voice of the distressed no more shall meet 
" The sympathising ear ; another's woes 
" Shall never interrupt the stillness sweet 
" Which here shall hush thee to serene repose, 
" Nor damp the constant joys these scenes for thee 
disclose. 



102 

" Fatigue no more thy soft and lovely frame 

" With vain benevolence and fruitless care ; 

" No deep-heaved sigh shall here thy pity claim, 

" Nor hateful Want demand thy wealth to share ; 

" For thee shall Independence still prepare 

" Pleasures unmingled, and for ever sure ; 

" His lips our sovereign's peaceful laws declare, 

" Centre existence in thyself secure, 

Nor let an alien shade thy sunshine e'er obscure." 



He spoke, and lo ! unnumbered doors unfold, 
And various scenes of revelry display ; 
Here Grandeur sunk beneath the massive gold ; 
Here discontented Beauty pined away, 
And vainly conscious asked her promised sway ; 
Here Luxury prepared his sumptuous feast, 
While lurking Apathy behind him lay 
To poison all the insipid food he drest, 
And shake his poppy crown o'er every sated guest. 



193 



The hireling minstrels strike their weary lyre, 
And slumber o'er the oft-repeated strain ; 
No listless youth to active grace they fire : 
Here Eloquence herself might plead in vain, 
Nor one of all the heartless crowd could gain : 
And thou, oh ! sweeter than the Muses 1 song, 
Affection's voice divine ! with cold disdain 
Even thou art heard, while 'mid the insulting throng 
Thy daunted, shivering form moves timidly along ! 



Thus o'er the oiled surface softly slides 
The unadmitted stream, rapid it flows, 
And from the impervious plain pellucid glides ; 
Repulsed with gentle murmurs thus it goes, 
Till in the porous earth it finds repose, 
Concealed and sheltered in its parent's breast : — 
Oh ! man's best treasure in this vale of woes ! 
Still cheer the sad, and comfort the distrest, 
Nor ever be thy voice by selfishness opprest ! 



194 



Psyche with languid step he leads around, 
And bids her all the castle's splendour see. 
Here Dissipation's constant sports abound, 
While her loose hand in seeming bounty free, 
Her scentless roses, painted mimicry, 
Profusely sheds ; here Pride unheeded tells 
To nodding crowds his ancient pedigree ; 
And Folly with reiterated spells 
To count her spotted cards the yawning group compels. 



" See how, attentive to her subjects' ease," 
To their reluctant prey exclaims her guide, 
" Each fleeting joy of life she bids them seize, 
" Anxious for each gay pastime to provide ; 
" See her fast-spreading power increasing wide, 
" Adored and worshipped in each splendid dome ! 
" Lo ! Beauty glows for ever at her side, 
" She bids her cheek the unvarying rose assume; 
" And Bacchus sees for her his votive ivy bloom. 



195 



** Is aught then wanting in this fairy bower ? 

" Or is there aught which yet thy heart can move ?" 

That heart, unyielding to their sovereign's power, 

In gentle whispers sighing answers, " Love f 

While scornful smiles the fond reply reprove, 

u Lo !" he exclaims, " thy vanquished Cupid view ; 

" He oft with powerful arms had vainly strove 

" Our sovereign's rocky fortress to subdue, 

Now, subject to her reign, he yields obedience due." 



Wondering she gazed around, and where he points, 
An idiot child in golden chains she spies, 
Rich cumbrous gems load all his feeble joints, 
A gaudy bandage seels his stupid eyes, 
And foul Desire his short-lived torch supplies : 
By the capricious hand of Fashion led, 
Her sudden starts with tottering step he tries 
Submissive to attend : him had she bred, 
And Selfishness himself the nursling ever fed. 



196 

With lustre false his tinsel arms to deck 
Ungraceful ornaments around him shone, 
Gifts of his sportive guide ; she round his neck 
A glittering cord insultingly had thrown, 
Loading its pendent purse with many a stone 
And worthless dross, and ever as he went, 
His leaden darts, with wanton aim unknown, 
Now here, now there, in careless chance she sent, 
That oft their blunted force in empty air was spent. 



Shocked, from the gross imposture Psyche turned 
With horror and disgust her fearful eye ; 
Her fate forlorn in silent anguish mourned, 
And called her knight with many a hopeless sigh. 
But see, the crowds in sudden tumult fly ! 
The doors, fast closing to exclude some foe, 
Proclaim to Psyche's hopes her hero nigh : 
Escaping from her guard she flies, when lo f 
His form the bursting gates in awful beauty shew. 



197 



u Fly from these dangerous walls," his page exclaims ; 
" Swift let us haste our floating bark to gain ! 
" See thy knight's wondrous dart in terror flames ; 
" Soon shall these ice-built walls no shape retain ! 
" Nor can their Queen his dreaded sight sustain." 
Scarcely she heard while rapidly she fled, 
Even as a bird, escaped the wily train 
The fowler with destructive art had spread, 
Nor panting stays its flight, nor yet foregoes its dread. 



See how astonished now the crowd supine, 
Roused by his potent voice, confused arise ; 
In tottering masses o'er their heads decline 
Dissolving walls ; they gaze with wild surprise, 
And each affrighted from the ruin flies : — 
Pitying he views the vain unfeeling band 
Beneath his care, a vile and worthless prize, 
Their Queen alone his vengeful arms demand, 
But unknown force was hers his terrors to withstand. 



198 



A shield she had of more than Gorgon power, 
And whom she would she could transform to stone 5 
Nor ever had it failed her till that hour : 
She proves his form invincible alone, 
And calls its force petrific on her own. 
Amazed he sees the indurated train, 
The callous tenants of the silent throne, 
And all the marble subjects of their reign, 
Inviolably hard, their breathless shape retain. 



The magic shield he thence in triumph bore, 
Resolved, in pity to the human race, 
Her noxious hands its might should guide no more, 
And bade the seas conceal its Hydra face : 
Oh ! kindly meant, though much defeated grace ! 
For though the o'er whelming weight of sounding waves 
Conceal its rugged orb a little space, 
Snatched by Glacella from the dark deep caves, 
Once more the arm of Love with potent spell it braves. 



199 



But Psyche, rescued from their cruel scorn. 
Urges her knight to hasten from the shore : 
The buoyant vessel on the billows borne 
Rides proudly o'er the mounting surge once more ; 
Again they spread the sails, the feathered oar 
Skims with impatient stroke the sparkling tide ; 
The blushing Hymen now their smiles restore 
Again to frolic gaily at their side, 
Though still their playful taunts reproach their slum- 
bering guide. 



Psyche looks back with horror on the coast ; 
Black, drear, and desolate is all the scene : 
The rocky cliffs still human shape may boast 5 
There the sad victims of the cruel Queen, 
Memorials of her baneful power, are seen : 
No vine-crowned hills, no glowing vales appear, 
Nor the white cottage laughs upon the green; 
The black and leafless thorn alone is there, 
And the chill mountains lift their summits wild and bare. 



200 



Her spirits lighten as they leave behind 
The dreary prospect of Glacella's isle ; 
She blest with gladdened heart the light- winged wind 
That bears her swiftly from a scene so vile ; 
With glistening eye, and hope's prophetic smile, 
She hears her knight foretel their dangers o'er. 
That sure success shall crown their fated toil, 
And soon arriving at that happy shore, 
Love shall again be found, and leave his bride no more. 



Now, from light slumbers and delicious dreams, 
The jocund cry of joy aroused the fair ; 
The morn that kissed her eyes with golden beams, 
Bade her the universal transport share ; 
Divinely breathed the aromatic air, 
And Psyche's heart, half fainting with delight, 
In the peculiar odour wafted there 
Recalled the breezes which, o'er scenes most bright, 
Their wings of perfume shook, and lingering stayed 
their flight. 



201 



The lovely shore the mariners descry, 
And many a gladsome cheer the prospect hails ; 
Its graceful hills rise full before the eye, 
While eagerly expanding all their sails 
They woo the freshness of the morning gales, 
The approaching scenes new-opening charms display, 
And Psyche's palpitating courage fails, 
She sees arrived at length the important day, 
Uncertain yet of power the mandate to obey. 



But one dear object every wish confines, 
Her spouse is promised in that bower of rest ; 
And shall the sun, that now so cheerful shines. 
Indeed behold her to his bosom prest, 
And in his heavenly smiles of fondness blest ? 
Oh ! 'tis too much ! — exhausted life she fears 
Will struggling leave her agitated breast, 
Ere to her longing eyes his form appears, 
Or the soft hand of Love shall wipe away her tears. 



202 



Oh ! how impatience gains upon the soul 
When the long-promised hour of joy draws near! 
How slow the tardy moments seem to roll ! 
What spectres rise of inconsistent fear ! 
To the fond doubting heart its hopes appear 
Too brightly fair, too sweet to realize ; 
All seem but day-dreams of delight too dear ! 
Strange hopes and fears in painful contest rise, 
While the scarce-trusted bliss seems but to cheat the eyes. 



But safely anchored in the happy port, 
Led by her knight the golden sands she prest : 
His heart beat high, his panting breath heaved short, 
And sighs proclaim his agitated breast, 
By some important secret thought opprest : 
" At length," he cries, " behold the fated spring ! 
w Yon rugged cliff conceals the fountain blest, 
" (Dark rocks its crystal source o'ershadowing,) 
ce And Constance swift for thee the destined urn shall 
bring." 



203 



He speaks, but scarce she hears, her soul intent 
Surveys as in a dream each well-known scene : 
Now from the pointed hills her eye she bent 
Inquisitive o'er all the sloping green ; 
The graceful temple meet for Beauty's queen 5 
The orange groves that ever blooming glow, 
The silvery flood, the ambrosial air serene, 
The matchless trees that fragrant shade bestow, 
All speak to Psyche's soul, all seem their queen to know. 



Let the vain rover, who his youth hath past 
Misled in idle search of happiness, 
Declare, by late experience taught at last, 
In all his toils he gained but weariness, 
Wooed the coy goddess but to find that less 
She ever grants where dearest she is bought ; 
She loves the sheltering bowers of home to bless, 
Marks with her peaceful hand the favourite spot, 
And smiles to see that Love has home his Psyche brought. 



204 



On the dear earth she kneels the turf to press, 
With grateful lips and fondly streaming eyes, 
" Are these the unknown bowers of Happiness ? 
" Oh ! justly called, and gained at last !" she cries, 
As eagerly to seize the urn she flies. 
But lo ! while yet she gazed with wondering eye, 
Constance ascends the steep to gain the prize ; 
The eagle's eyry is not built so high 
As soon she sees his star bright blazing to the sky. 



With light and nimble foot the boy descends, 
And lifts the urn triumphant in his hand ; 
Low at the turf-raised altar Psyche bends, 
While her fond eyes her promised Love demand ; 
Close at her side her faithful guardians stand, 
As thus with timid voice she pays her vows, 
" Venus, fulfilled is thine adored command, 
" Thy voice divine the suppliant's claim allows, 
" The smile of favour grant, restore her heavenly spouse. 



206 



Scarce on the altar had she placed the urn, 
When lo ! in whispers to the ravished ear 
Speaks the soft voice of Love ! " Turn, Psyche, turn ! 
" And see at last, released from every fear, 
" Thy spouse, thy faithful knight, thy lover here !" 
From his celestial brow the helmet fell, 
In joy's full glow, unveiled his charms appear, 
Beaming delight and love unspeakable, 
While in one rapturous glance their mingling souls 
they tell. 



Two tapers thus, with pure converging rays, 
In momentary flash their beams unite, 
Shedding but one inseparable blaze 
Of blended radiance and effulgence bright, 
Self-lost in mutual intermingling light ; 
Thus, in her lover's circling arms embraced, 
The fainting Psyche's soul, by sudden flight, 
With his its subtlest essence interlaced ; 
Oh ! bliss too vast for thought ! by words how poorly traced ! 



206 



Fond youth ! whom Fate hath summoned to depart, 
And quit the object of thy tenderest love, 
How oft in absence shall thy pensive heart 
Count the sad hours which must in exile move, 
And still their irksome weariness reprove ; 
Distance with cruel weight but loads thy chain 
With every step which bids thee farther rove, 
While thy reverted eye, with fruitless pain, 
Shall seek the trodden path its treasure to regain. 



For thee what rapturous moments are prepared ! 
For thee shall dawn the long-expected day ! 
And he who ne'er thy tender woes hath shared. 
Hath never known the transport they shall pay f 
To wash the memory of those woes away : 
The bitter tears of absence thou must shed, 
To know the bliss which tears of joy convey, 
When the long hours of sad regret are fled, 
And in one dear embrace thy pains compensated I 



207 



Even from afar beheld, how eagerly 
With rapture thou shalt hail the loved abode ! 
Perhaps already, with impatient eye, 
From the dear casement she hath marked thy road, 
And many a sigh for thy return bestowed : 
Even there she meets thy fond enamoured glance : 
Thy soul with grateful tenderness o'erflowed, 
Which firmly bore the hand of hard mischance, 
Faints in the stronger power of joy's o'erwhelming trance. 



With Psyche thou alone canst sympathise, 
Thy heart benevolently shares her joy I 
See her unclose her rapture-beaming eyes, 
And catch that softly pleasurable sigh, 
That tells unutterable ecstasy ! 
While hark melodious numbers through the air, 
On clouds of fragrance wafted from the sky, 
Their ravished souls to pious awe prepare, 
And lo ! the herald doves the Queen of Love declare. 



208 

With fond embrace she clasped her long-lost son, 

And gracefully received his lovely bride, 

" Psyche ! thou hardly hast my favour won !" 

With roseate smile her heavenly parent cried, 

u Yet hence thy charms immortal, deified, 

" With the young Joys, thy future offspring fair, 

" Shall bloom for ever at thy lover's side ; 

" All-ruling Jove's high mandate I declare, 

Blest denizen of Heaven ! arise, its joys to share.* 1 



She ceased, and lo ! a thousand voices^ joined 
In sweetest chorus, Love's high triumph sing ; 
There, with the Graces and the Hours entwined, 
His fairy train their rosy garlands bring, 
Or round their mistress sport on halcyon wing ; 
While she enraptured lives in his dear eye, 
And drinks immortal love from that pure spring 
Of never-failing full felicity, . 
Bathed in ambrosial showers of bliss eternally ! 



209 



Dreams of delight, farewel ! your charms no more 
Shall gild the hours of solitary gloom ! 
The page remains — but can the page restore 
The vanished bowers which Fancy taught to bloom ? 
Ah, no ! her smiles no longer can illume 
The path my Psyche treads no more for me ; 
Consigned to dark oblivion's silent tomb, 
The visionary scenes no more I see, 
Fast from the fading lines the vivid colours flee I 



NOTES. 



Page 108. Thus on his bark the bold Biscayen stands. 
The whale fishery, on the coast of Greenland, was 
first carried on by the sailors of the Bay of Biscay. 

See Goldsmith's Animated Nature, vol. vi. 

Page 150. The mystic honours next of Fauna — 
Fauna, called also the Bona Dea, during her life was 
celebrated for the exemplary purity of her manners, and 
after death was worshipped only by women. 



212 

Page 157. Bellerophon, 

And Peleus flying the Magnesian plain ; 

Ut Praetum mulier perfida credulum 
FaJsis impulerit criminibus, nimis 

Casto Bellerophonti 

Maturare necem, refert, 
Narrat pene datum Pelea Tartaro, 
Magnessam Hyppolyten dum fugit abstinens. 

Hor. Ode vii, lib. Hi. 

Page 158. Acastus' mourning daughter — 

Laodamia. 

Page 158. And thee, Dictynna /— 
A virgin of Crete, who threw herself from a rock into 
the sea, when pursued by Minos. The Cretans, not 
contented with giving her name to the rock which she 
had thus consecrated, were accustomed to worship Diana 
by the name of her unfortunate votary. 



213 



Page 161. Still in that tuneful form- 
In a grove, sacred to Diana, was suspended a syrinx 
(the pipe into which the nymph Syringa had been 
metamorphosed) which was said to possess the mira- 
culous power of thus justifying the calumniated. 



Page 162. The stream's rude ordeal — 
The trial of the Stygian fountain, by which the inno- 
cent were acquitted, and the guilty disgraced; the wa- 
ters rising in a wonderful manner, so as to cover the 
laurel wreath of the unchaste female who dared the 
examination. 



Page 162. — — — the daring Clusia — 
Who, to avoid the violence of Torquatus, cast herself 
from a tower, and was preserved by the winds, which, 
swelling her garments, supported her as she gently de- 
scended to the earth. 



214 



Page 162. ■ those, whom Vesta in the trying hour- 
Claudia,, a vestal, who having been accused of vio- 
lating her vow, attested her innocence by drawing up 
the Tiber, a ship bearing a statue of the goddess, which 
many thousand men had not been able to remove. — 
^Emilia, who was suspected of unchastity from having 
inadvertently suffered the sacred flame to expire, by en- 
trusting it to the care of a novice, but, imploring Vesta 
to justify her innocence, she tore her linen garment, and 
threw it upon the extinguished ashes of the cold altar ; 
when, in the sight of priests and virgins, a sudden and 
pure fire was thus enkindled. — Tucia, who being falsely 
accused, carried water from the Tiber to the forum in a 
sieve, her accuser miraculously disappearing at the same 
time. 

Page 162. thou, whose purest hands — 

Sulpicia, a Roman lady of remarkable chastity; 
chosen by the Sibyls to dedicate a temple to Venus 
Verticordia, in order to obtain greater purity for her 
contemporary country-women. 



215 



Page 163. ■ Sinope' s wiles ! 

The nymph Sinope, being persecuted by the ad- 
dresses of Jupiter, at length stipulated for his promise 
to grant her whatever she might ask, and having ob- 
tained this promise, claimed the gift of perpetual 
chastity. 

■ — Sinope 

Nympha prius, blandosque Jovis quae luserat ignes 
Coelicolis inmota procis. — 

Val. Flac. lib. v. ver. J 10. 



§>otmet& 



WRITTEN IN A COPY OF PSYCHE 

WHICH HAD BEEN IN THE LIBRARY OF C. J. FOX. 

Jpril, 1809. 



Dear consecrated page ! methinks in thee 
The patriot's eye hath left eternal light, 
Beaming o'er every line with influence bright 

A grace unknown before, nor due to me : 

And still delighted Fancy loves to see 

The flattering smile which prompt indulgence might 
(Even while he read what lowliest Muse could write) 

Have hung upon that lip, whose melody 

Truth, sense, and liberty had called their own. 

For strength of mind and energy of thought, 

With all the loveliest weakness of the heart, 
An union beautiful in him had shewn ; 

And yet where'er the eye of taste found aught 
To praise, he loved the critic's gentlest part. 



220 

WRITTEN AT SCARBOROUGH^ 
August, 1799. 



As musing pensive in my silent home 
I hear far off the sullen ocean's roar, 
Where the rude wave just sweeps the level shore, 

Or bursts upon the rocks with whitening foam, 

I think upon the scenes my life has known ; 
On days of sorrow, and some hours of joy ; 
Both which alike time could so soon destroy ! 

And now they seem a busy dream alone ; 

While on the earth exists no single trace 
Of all that shook my agitated soul, 
As on the beach new waves for ever roll, 

And fill their past forgotten brother's place : 
But I, like the worn sand, exposed remain 
To each new storm which frets the angry main. 



221 



SONNET. 



When glowing Phoebus quits the weeping earth, 
What splendid visions rise upon the sight ! 
Fancy, with transient charms and colours bright, 

To changing forms in Heaven's gay scene gives birth : 

But soon the melting beauties disappear, 

And fade like those which in life's early bloom 
Hope bade me prize ; and the approaching gloom, 

These tints of sadness, and these shades of fear, 
Resemble most that melancholy hour 
Which, with a silent and resistless power, 

Shrouded my joy's bright beam in shadowy night : 
Till Memory marks each scene which once shone gay ; 

As the dark plains, beneath the Moon's soft light, 
Again revealed, reflect a mellowing ray. 



222 



WRITTEN IN AUTUMN. 



O, Autumn ! how I love thy pensive air, 
Thy yellow garb, thy visage sad and dun ! 
When from the misty east the labouring Sun 
Bursts through thy fogs, that, gathering round him, dare 
Obscure his beams, which, though enfeebled, dart 
On the cold, dewy plains a lustre bright : 
But chief, the sounds of thy reft woods delight ; 
Their deep, low murmurs to my soul impart 
A solemn stillness, while they seem to speak 
Of Spring, of Summer now for ever past, 
Of drear^ approaching Winter, and the blast 
Which shall ere long their soothing quiet break : 
Here, when for faded joys my heaving breast 
Throbs with vain pangs, here will I love to rest. 



223 



SONNET. 



Poor, fond deluded heart ! wilt thou again 

Listen, enchanted, to the syren song 

Of treacherous Pleasure ? Ah, deceived too long, 

Cease now at length to throb with wishes vain ! 

Ah, cease her paths bewildering to explore ! 
Betrayed so oft ! yet recollect the woe 
Which waits on disappointment ; taught to know 

By sad experience, wilt thou not give o^er 

To rest, deluded, on the fickle wing 

Which Fancy lends thee in her airy flight, 
But to seduce thee to some giddy height, 

And leave thee there a poor forsaken thing. 

Hope warbles once again, Truth pleads in vain, 
And my charmed soul sinks vanquished by her strain. 



224 



WRITTEN IN THE CHURCH-YARD AT 
MALVERN. 



This seems a spot to pensive sorrow dear, 

Gloomy the shade which yields this ancient yew, 
Sacred the seat of Death ! soothed while I view 
Thy hills, O Malvern, proudly rising near, 
I bless the peaceful mound, the mouldering cross, 
And every stone whose rudely sculptured form 
Hath braved the rage of many a winter's storm. 
Pleased with the melancholy scene, each loss 
Once more I weep ; and wish this grave were thine, 
Poor, lost, lamented friend ! that o'er thy clay 
For once this last, sad tribute I might pay, 
And, with my tears, to the cold tomb resign 
Each hope of bliss, each vanity of life, 
And all the passions' agonizing strife. 



225 



SONNET. 



For me would Fancy now her chaplet twine 

Of Hope's bright blossoms, and Joy's fairy flowers, 
As she was wont to do in gayer hours ; 
111 would it suit this brow, where many a line 
Declares the spring-time of my life gone by, 
And summer far advanced ; what now remain 
Of waning years, should own staid Wisdom's reign. 
Shall my distempered heart still idly sigh 
For those gay phantoms, chased by sober truth ? 
Those forms tumultuous which sick visions bring, 
That, lightly flitting on the transient wing, 
Disturbed the fevered slumbers of my youth ? 
Ah, no ! my suffering soul at length restored, 
Shall taste the calm repose so oft in vain implored. 



226 



SONNET. 



As one who late hath lost a friend adored, 
Clings with sick pleasure to the faintest trace 
Resemblance offers in another's face, 

Or sadly gazing on that form deplored, 

Would clasp the silent canvas to his breast : 
So muse I on the good I have enjoyed, 
The wretched victim of my hopes destroyed ; 

On images of peace I fondly rest, 

Or in the page, where weeping Fancy mourns, 
I love to dwell upon each tender line, 
And think the bliss once tasted still is mine ; 

While cheated Memory to the past returns, 
And from the present leads my shivering heart 
Back to those scenes from which it wept to part. 






227 



TO TIME. 



Yes, gentle Time, thy gradual, healing hand 

Hath stolen from Sorrow's grasp the envenomed dart ; 

Submitting to thy skill, my passive heart 
Feels that no grief can thy soft power withstand ; 

And though my aching breast still heaves the sigh, 

Though oft the tear swells silent in mine eye ; 
Yet the keen pang, the agony is gone ; 

Sorrow and I shall part ; and these faint throes 

Are but the remnant of severer woes : 
As when the furious tempest is overblown, 

And when the sky has wept its violence, 
The opening heavens will oft let fall a shower, 

The poor o'ercharged boughs still drops dispense, 
And still the loaded streams in torrents pour. 



22S 



SONNET. 



Ye dear associates of my gayer hours, 

Ah ! whither are you gone ? on what light wing 

Is Fancy fled ? Mute is the dulcet string 
Of long-lost Hope ? No more her magic powers 
Scatter o'er my lorn path fallacious flowers, 

As she was wont with glowing hand to fling, 

Loading with fragrance the soft gales of Spring, 
While fondly pointing to fresh blooming bowers, 
Now faded, with each dazzling view of bright, 

Delusive pleasure ; never more return, 
Ye vain, ideal visions of delight ! 

For in your absence I have learned to mourn; 
To bear the torch of Truth with steady sight, 

And weave the cypress for my future urn. 



229 



SONNET. 



As nearer I approach that fatal day 

Which makes all mortal cares appear so light, 
Time seems on swifter wing to speed his flight, 

And Hope's fallacious visions fade away ; 

While to my fond desires, at length, I say, 
Behold, how quickly melted from your sight 
The promised objects you esteemed so bright, 

When love was all your song, and life looked gay ! 

Now let us rest in peace ! those hours are past, 
And with them, all the agitating train 
By which Hope led the wandering cheated soul ; 

Wearied, she seeks repose, and owns at last 

How sighs, and tears, and youth, were spent in vain, 
While languishing she mourned in Folly's sad control. 



230 

WRITTEN AT ROSSANA, 

November 18, 1799. 



Oh, my rash hand ! what hast thou idly done ? 
Torn from its humble bank the last poor flower 
That patient lingered to this wintery hour : 
Expanding cheerly to the languid sun 
It flourished yet, and yet it might have blown, 
Had not thy sudden desolating power 
Destroyed what many a storm and angry shower 
Had pitying spared. The pride of summer gone, 

Cherish what yet in faded life can bloom ; 
And if domestic love still sweetly smiles, 
If sheltered by thy cot he yet beguiles 

Thy winter's prospect of its dreary gloom, 
Oh, from the spoiler's touch thy treasure screen, 
To bask beneath Contentment's beam serene ! 



231 



WRITTEN AT ROSSANA. 



Dear chesnut bower, I hail thy secret shade, 
Image of tranquil life ! escaped yon throng, 
Who weave the dance, and swell the choral song ; 

And all the summer's day have wanton played : 

I bless thy kindly gloom in silence laid : 

What though no prospects gay to thee belong ; 
Yet here I heed nor showers, nor sunbeams strong, 

Which they, whose perfumed tresses roses braid, 

Dispersing fear. Their sunny bank more bright, 
And on their circled green more sweets abound, 

Yet the rude blasts, which rend their vestments light, 
O'er these dark boughs with harmless music sound, 
And though no lively pleasures here are found, 

Yet shall no sudden storms my calm retreat affright. 



232 

WRITTEN AT THE EAGLE'S NEST, 

KILLARNEY, 

July 26, 1800. 



Here let us rest, while with meridian blaze 
The sun rides glorious 'mid the cloudless sky, 
While o'er the lake no cooling Zephyrs fly, 

But on the liquid glass we dazzled gaze, 

And fainting ask for shade : lo ! where his nest 
The bird of Jove has fixed : the lofty brow, 

With arbutus and fragrant wild shrubs drest, 
Impendent frowns, nor will approach allow : 

Here the soft turf invites ; here magic sounds 
Celestially respondent shall enchant, 

While Melody from yon steep wood rebounds 
In thrilling cadence sweet. Sure, life can grant 

No brighter hours than this ; and Memory oft 

Shall paint this happiest scene with pencil soft. 



233 

WRITTEN AT KILLARNEY, 
July 29, 1800. 



How soft the pause ! the notes melodious cease, 
Which from each feeling could an echo call ; 
Rest on your oars, that not a sound may fall 

To interrupt the stillness of our peace : 

The fanning west-wind breathes upon our cheeks, 
Yet glowing with the sun's departed beams. 
Through the blue heavens the cloudless moon pours 
streams 

Of pure resplendent light, in silver streaks 

Reflected on the still, unruffled lake. 

The Alpine hills in solemn silence frown, 

While the dark woods night's deepest shades embrown, 

And now once more that soothing strain awake ! 

Oh, ever to my heart, with magic power, 

Shall those sweet sounds recal this rapturous hour ! 



234 

ON LEAVING KILLARNEY, 
August 5, 1800. 



Fakewel, sweet scenes ! pensive once more I turn 
Those pointed hills and wood-fringed lakes to view 
With fond regret ; while in this last adieu 
A silent tear those brilliant hours shall mourn 
For ever past. So from the pleasant shore, 

Borne with the struggling bark against the wind, 
The trembling pennant fluttering looks behind 
With vain reluctance ! "Mid those woods no more 
For me the voice of pleasure shall resound, 
Nor soft flutes warbling o'er the placid lake, 
Aerial music shall for me awake, 
And wrap my charmed soul in peace profound ! 
Though lost to me, here still may Taste delight 
To dwell, nor the rude axe the trembling Dryads 
fright ! 



235 



TO DEATH. 



O thou most terrible, most dreaded power, 
In whatsoever form thou meetest the eye ! 
Whether thou biddest thy sudden arrow fly 

In the dread silence of the midnight hour ; 

Or whether, hovering o'er the lingering wretch, 
Thy sad cold javelin hangs suspended long, 
While round the couch the weeping kindred throng 

With hope and fear alternately on stretch ; 

Oh, say, for me what horrors are prepared ? 
Am I now doomed to meet thy fatal arm ? 
Or wilt thou first from life steal every charm, 

And bear away each good my soul would guard ? 

That thus, deprived of all it loved, my heart 

From life itself contentedly may part. 



236 



TO W. P. Esq. Avondalk. 



We wish for thee, dear friend ! for summer eve 
Upon thy loveliest landscape never cast 
Looks of more lingering sweetness than the last. 
The slanting sun, reluctant to bereave 
Thy woods of beauty, fondly seemed to leave 
Smiles of the softest light, that slowly past 
In bright succession o'er each charm thou hast 

Thyself so oft admired. And we might grieve 
Thine eye of taste should ever wander hence 
O'er scenes less lovely than thine own ; but here 
Thou wilt return, and feel thy home more dear ; 
More dear the Muses' gentler influence, 
When on the busy world, with Wisdom's smile, 
And heart uninjured, thou hast gazed a while. 



237 



ADDRESSED TO MY BROTHER, 
1805. 



Brother beloved ! if health shall smile again 
Upon this wasted form and fevered cheek ; 
If e'er returning vigour bid these weak 
And languid limbs their gladsome strength regain ; 
Well may thy brow the placid glow retain 

Of sweet content, and thy pleased eye may speak 
Thy conscious self-applause : but should I seek 
To utter what this heart can feel, ah ! vain 
Were the attempt ! Yet, kindest friends, as o'er 
My couch ye bend, and watch with tenderness 
The being whom your cares could e'en restore 
From the cold grasp of death ; say, can you guess 
The feelings which this lip can ne'er express ? 
Feelings deep fixed in grateful Memory's store ! 



238 



ADDRESS TO MY HARP. 



Oh, my loved Harp ! companion dear ! 

Sweet soother of my secret grief, 
No more thy sounds my soul must cheer, 

No more afford a soft relief. 

When anxious cares my heart oppressed, 
When doubts distracting tore my soul, 

The pains which heaved my swelling breast 
Thy gentle sway could oft control. 

Each well-remembered, practised strain, 
The cheerful dance, the tender song, 

Recalled with pensive, pleasing pain 
Some image loved and cherished long. 



239 

Where Joy sat sailing o'er my fate, 

And marked each bright and happy day, 

When partial friends around me sat, 
And taught my lips the simple lay ; 

And when, by disappointment grieved, 
I saw some darling hope o'erthrown, 

Thou hast my secret pain relieved ; 
O'er thee I wept, unseen, alone. 

Oh ! must I leave thee, must we part, 
Dear partner of my happiest days ? 

I may forget thy much-loved art, 
Unused thy melody to raise, 

But ne'er can memory cease to love 

Those scenes where I thy charms have felt, 

Though I no more thy power may prove, 
Which taught my softened heart to melt. 



240 

Forced to forego with thee this spot, 
Endeared by many a tender tie, 

When rosy pleasure blessed my lot, 
And sparkled in my cheated eye. 

Yet still thy strings, in Fancy's ear, 
With soothing melody shall play ; 

Thy silver sounds I oft shall hear, 
To pensive gloom a silent prey. 



241 



MORNING. 



-toties nostros Titania questus 



Prceterit, et gelido spargit miseratajlagello. Statius, 



O Mob^t ! I hail thy soft, enchanting breezes, 
Thy soul-felt presence, and reviving light ; 

Thy glad approach my anxious bosom eases, 
And care and sorrow for a while take flight 

Like youth's gay hours, or Spring's delicious season, 
To me once more thy balmy breath appears ; 

Lost hope returns, assumes the face of reason, 
And half persuades to flight oppressive fears. 

While darkened casements vainly light excluded, 
I wooed propitious sleep with languid sighs, 

Care through the gloom his anxious face obtruded, 
And banished slumber from my weary eyes. 



242 

The tedious hours I told with watchful anguish, 
And oft, Morn ! accused thy long delay : 

I hail thee now, no longer vainly languish, 
But quit my couch, and bless refreshing day. 

Through the long night impatient, sad, and weary, 
How melancholy life itself appeared ! 

Lo ! cheerful day illumes my prospects dreary, 
And how diminished are the ills I feared ! 



Though pleasure shine not in the expected morrow, 
Though nought were promised but return of care, 

The light of Heaven could banish half my sorrow, 
And comfort whispers in the fresh, cool air. 

I hear the grateful voice of joy and pleasure, 
All nature seems my sadness to reprove, 

High trills the lark his wild ecstatic measure, 
The groves resound with liberty and love: 



243 



Ere his glad voice proclaimed thy dawning early, 
How oft deceived I rose thy light to hail ; 

Through the damp grass hoarse accents sounded cheerly, 
As wooed his distant love the wakeful rail. 

Oh, you ! who murmur at the call of duty, 
And quit your pillow with reluctant sloth, 

For whom the Morn in vain displays her beauty, 
While tasteless you can greet her smiles so loth ; 

You cannot know the charm which o'er me stealing, 

Revives my senses as I taste her breath, 
Which half repays the agony of feeling 

A night of horrors, only less than death. 



244 



THE VARTREE. 



(iuivi le piante piu che altrove ombrose 

E Verba molle, e il fresco dolce appare. Poliziano. 



Sweet are thy banks, O Vartree ! when at morn 
Their velvet verdure glistens with the dew ; 

When fragrant gales by softest Zephyrs borne 
Unfold the flowers, and ope their petals new. 

How bright the lustre of thy silver tide, 

Which winds, reluctant to forsake the vale ! 

How play the quivering branches on thy side, 
And lucid catch the sun-beam in the gale ! 

And sweet thy shade at Noon's more fervid hours, 
When faint we quit the upland gayer lawn 

To seek the freshness of thy sheltering bowers, 

Thy chesnut glooms, where day can scarcely dawn. 



245 

How soothing in the dark sequestered grove 
To see thy placid waters seem to sleep ; 

Pleased they reflect the sombre tints they love, 
As unperceived in silent peace they creep. 



The deepest foliage bending o'er thy wave 
Tastes thy pure kisses with embracing arms, 

While each charmed Dryad stoops her limbs to lave, 
Thy smiling Naiad meets her sister charms. 

Beneath the fragrant lime, or spreading beech, 
The bleating flocks in panting crowds repose : 

Their voice alone my dark retreat can reach, 
While peace and silence all my soul compose. 

Here, Mary, rest ! the dangerous path forsake 
Where folly lures thee, and where vice ensnares., 

Thine innocence and peace no longer stake, 
Nor barter solid good for brilliant cares. 



246 

Shun the vain bustle of the senseless crowd, 
Where all is hollow that appears like joy ; 

Where, the soft claims of feeling disallowed, 
Fallacious hopes the baffled soul annoy. 

Hast thou not trod each vain and giddy maze, 
By Flattery led o'er Pleasure's gayest field ? 

Basked in the sunshine of her brightest blaze, 
And proved whate'er she can her votaries yield ? 

That full completion of each glowing hope. 
Which youth and novelty could scarce bestow, 

From the last dregs of Joy's exhausted cup 

Canst thou expect thy years mature shall know ? 



Hast thou not tried the vanities of life, 

And all the poor, mean joys of Fashion known ? 

Blush then to hold with Wisdom longer strife, 
Submit at length a better guide to own. 



247 

Here woo the Muses in the scenes they love ; 

Let Science near thee take her patient stand: 
Each weak regret for gayer hours reprove, 

And yield thy soul to Reason's calm command. 



248 



A FAITHFUL FRIEND IS THE MEDICINE 
OF LIFE. 

Son of Sirach. 



In the dreams of delight, which with ardour we seek, 

Oft the phantom of sorrow appears ; 
And the roses of pleasure, which bloom in your cheek, 

Must be steeped in the dew of your tears : 



'Mid the fountain of bliss, when it sparkles most bright, 

Salt mixtures embitter the spring, 
Though its lustre may tremble through bowers of delight, 

In the draught disappointment will sting. 

JBut if Heaven hath one cup of enjoyment bestowed, 

Unmingled and sweet as its own, 
In the streams of affection its bounty hath flowed, 

And there we may taste it alone. 



249 



But the pure simple drops Love would seize as his prize, 
And defile them with passion's foul tide ; 

While the bowl he prepares, as it dazzles our eyes, 
The poison of anguish can hide. 

Let Friendship the stream, as it flows calm and clear, 

Receive unpolluted for me ; 
Or if tenderness mingle a sigh or a tear, 

The draught still the sweeter will be. 

But let me reject the too-high flavoured bowl 

Affectation or Flattery compose, 
From Sincerity's urn thus transparent shall roll 

The cordial of peace and repose. 

Oh ! give me the friend, from whose warm faithful breast 

The sigh breathes responsive to mine, 
Where my cares may obtain the soft pillow of rest, 

And my sorrows may love to recline. 



250 

Not the friend who my hours of pleasure will share, 

But abide not the season of grief; 
Who flies from the brow that is darkened by care, 

And the silence that looks for relief. 



Not the friend who, suspicious of change or of guile, 
Would shrink from a confidence free ; 

Nor him who with fondness complacent can smile 
On the eye that looks coldly on me. 

As the mirror that, just to each blemish or grace, 

To myself will my image reflect, 
But to none but myself will that image retrace, 

Nor picture one absent defect. 



To my soul let my friend be a mirror as true, 
Thus my faults from all others conceal ; 

Nor, absent, those failings or follies renew, 

Which from Heaven and from man he should veil. 



251 



VERSES WRITTEN AT THE COMMENCE- 
MENT OF SPRING.— 1802. 



Oh, breathe once more upon my brow, 
Soft gale of Spring, forgotten never ! 

For thus thy breath appeared as now 
In days of joy, ah ! lost for ever. 

Put forth thy fresh and tender leaves, 
Soft Eglantine, of fragrance early, 

Thee Memory first revived perceives, 

From childhood's dawn still welcomed yearly. 

Burst from thy leafy sheath once more, 
Bright Hyacinth ! thy splendour showing, 

The sun thy hues shall now restore 
In all their foreign lustre glowing. 



252 

Oh, plume again thy jetty wing, 

Sweet Blackbird, charm thy listening lover ! 
For thus, even thus, I heard thee sing, 

When hopes could smile that now are over. 

And thou, dear Red-breast, let me hear, 
Exchanged once more thy wintery measure, 

Thy notes proclaim the spring-tide near, 
As they were wont in hours of pleasure. 

The Lark shall mount the sapphire skies, 
And wake the grateful song of gladness ; 

One general peal from earth shall rise. 
And man alone shall droop in sadness. 

'Twas here, by peace and friendship blest, 
I paid to Spring my yearly duty, 

When last she decked her fragrant breast 
In all the glowing pride of beauty. 



255 

'Twas here the cordial look of love 
From every eye benignly flowing, 

Bade the kind hours in union move, 
Each lip the ready smile bestowing. 

But where the blooming Cherub Boy, 
Who hailed with us the pleasant season, 

Whose smiles recalled each childish joy, 
That sadder years resigned to Reason ? 

Those bright, those laughing eyes, where Love 
And Innocence are seen embracing ; 

Those fairy hands, that graceful move 
Their fancy-formed circles tracing. 

Oh, haste as thou wast wont to do ; 

We'll mount yon shrubby steep together : 
Thy care the first wood flowers shall shew, 

Thyself all blooming as the weather. 



254 

Haste, sweetest Babe, beloved of all ! 

Our cheerful hours without thee languish : 
Ah ! hush ! .... he hears no more thy call ! 

Ah ! hush ! . . . . nor wake a parent's anguish ! 

That Up of roses glows no more ; 

That beaming glance in night is clouded ; 
Those bland endearments all are o'er, 

In death's dark pall for ever shrouded. 

No, Angel sweetness ! not for ever, 

Though Heaven from us thy charms hath hidden, 
We joy for thee, though forced to sever ; 

O favoured guest, thus early bidden ! 

Even o'er thy dying couch, sweet Boy I 

A heavenly Messenger presided ; 
He beckoned thee to seats of joy, 

To fields of endless rapture guided. 



255 

No, not for thee this bitter tear, 

It falls for those yet doomed to sorrow ; 

Who feel the load of life severe, 

Who mourn the past, nor hope the morrow. 

For those who through life's dreary night 
Full many a watchful hour shall number, 

And sigh for long delaying light, 
Or envy those who early slumber. 



256 



TO THE MEMORY OF MARGARET TIGHE 

TAKEN FROM US JUNE 7TH, 1804. tETAT. 85. 



Sweet, placid Spirit ! blest, supremely blest, 

Whose life was tranquil, and whose end was rest ; 

'Tis not for thee our general tears shall flow, 

Our loss is selfish, selfish is our woe : 

We mourn a common parent, common friend, 

Centre, round whom thy children loved to bend : 

Where hands divided, met again to move 

In one sweet circle of united love : 

We mourn the tender, sympathising heart 

So prompt to aid, and share the sufferer's part ; 

The liberal hand, the kindly patient ear, 

Pity's soft sigh, and ever-ready tear ; 

The graceful form, yet lovely in decay, 

The peace-inspiring eye's benignant ray ; 



257 

The lip of tenderness that soothed the sad, 
And loved to bid the innocent be glad ; 
The gently softening, reconciling word, 
The ever cheerful, hospitable board : 
The unassuming wisdom, pious prayers, 
The still renewed, prolonged, maternal cares : 
All — all are lost ! — of thee, blest Saint, bereft, 
We mourn, to whom impoverished life is left : 
Mourn for ourselves ! Secure thy lot must be, 
With those who pure in heart their God shall see. 



258 



VERSES WRITTEN IN SICKNESS. 
December, 1804. 



O thou, whom Folly's votaries slight, 
Domestic Love ! assuasive Power ! 

Life's ruby gem, which sheds its light 
Through age and sorrow's darkest hour, 

Sweeter than Pleasure's syren lay, 

Brighter than Passion's fevered dream ! 

Still round my pillow soothing stay, 
Still spread thy kindly lambent beam. 

Alas ! for him whose youth has bowed 
Beneath the oppressive hand of pain ; 

Whose claim to pity disallowed, 

Bids him the unheeded groan restrain. 






259 

Alas ! for him who droops like me, 
Who mourns life's faded vigour flown, 

But finds no soothing sympathy, 
No tender cares his loss atone. 



For him no wakeful eye of love 

Resists the slumbers health would shed, 

With kind assistance prompt to move, 
And gently prop the aching head : 

With delicate attention paid 

In hope to minister relief, 
He sees no sacrifices made ; 

He sees no Mother's anxious grief! 

But I, poor sufferer, doomed in vain 

To woo the health which Heaven denied, 

Though nights of horror, days of pain 
The baffled opiate's force deride, 



260 

Yet well I know, and grateful feel, 
How much can lenient kindness do, 

From anguish half its darts to steal, 
And faded Hope's sick smile renew. 

That love which brightened gayer hours, 

When light youth danced to pleasure's strain, 

Exerts even yet unwearied powers, 
The sweet support of nights of pain. 

Oh ! how consoling is the eye 

Of the dear friend that shares our woes ! 
Oh ! what relief those cares supply, 

Which watchful, active love bestows ! 

And these are mine ! — Shall I then dare 

To murmur at so mild a lot ? 
Nor dwell on comforts still my share 

With thankful and contented thought ? 






261 

Though destined to the couch of pain, 

Though torn from pleasures once too dear, 

Around that couch shall still remain 
The love that every pain can cheer. 

And o'er that couch, in fondness bent, 
My languid glance shall grateful meet 

The eye of Love benevolent, 

The tender smile, the tear most sweet. 

And still for me Affection's hand 
Shall o'er that couch her roses shed, 

And woo from ease her poppied band 
To twine around this throbbing head. 

O pitying Heaven ! these comforts spare, 
Though age untimely chill gay hope ; 

May Love still crown the sufferer's prayer, 
And gently smooth life's downward slope ! 



262 



PLEASURE. 



Ah, syren Pleasure ! when thy flattering strains 
Lured me to seek thee through thy flowery plains, 
Taught from thy sparkling cup full joys to sip, 
And suck sweet poison from thy velvet lip, 
Didst thou in opiate charms my virtue steep, 
Was Reason silent, and did Conscience sleep ? 
How could I else enjoy thy faithless dreams, 
And fancy day-light in thy meteor gleams ; 
Think all was happiness, that smiled like joy, 
And with dear purchase seize each glittering toy ? 
Till roused at length, deep rankling in my heart, 
I felt the latent anguish of thy dart I 
Oh, let the young and innocent beware, 
Nor think uninjured to approach thy snare ! 



263 



Their surest conquest is, the foe to shun ; 

By fight infected, and by truce undone. 

Secure, at distance let her shores be past, 

Whose sight can poison, and whose breath can blast. 

Contentment blooms not on her glowing ground, 

And round her splendid shrine no peace is found. 

If once enchanted by her magic charms, 

They seek for bliss in Dissipation's arms : 

If once they touch the limits of her realm, 

Offended Principle resigns the helm, 

Simplicity forsakes the treacherous shore, 

And once discarded, she returns no more. 

Thus the charmed mariner on every side 

Of poisoned Senegal's ill-omened tide, 

Eyes the rich carpet of the varied hue, 

And plains luxuriant opening to his view : 

Now the steep banks with towering forests crowned, 

Clothed to the margin of the sloping ground ; 

Where with full foliage bending o'er the waves, 

Its verdant arms the spreading Mangrove laves ; 



264 

And now smooth, level lawns of deeper green 
Betray the richness of the untrodden scene : 
Between the opening groves such prospects glow, 
As Art with mimic hand can ne'er bestow, 
While lavish Nature wild profusion yields, 
And spreads, unbid, the rank uncultured fields ; 
Flings with fantastic hand in every gale 
Ten thousand blossoms o'er each velvet vale, 
And bids unclassed their fragrant beauties die 
Far from the painter's hand or sage's eye. 
From cloudless suns perpetual lustre streams, 
And swarms of insects glisten in their beams. 
Near and more near the heedless sailors steer, 
Spread all their canvas, and no warnings hear. 
See, on the edge of the clear liquid glass 
The wondering beasts survey them as they pass, 
And fearless bounding o'er their native green, 
Adorn the landscape, and enrich the scene ; 
Ah, fatal scene ! the deadly vapours rise, 
And swift the vegetable poison flies, 



265 

Putrescence loads the rank infected ground, 
Deceitful calms deal subtle death around ; 
Even as they gaze their vital powers decay, 
Their wasted health and vigour melt away ; 
Till quite extinct the animating fire, 
Pale, ghastly victims, they at last expire. 



266 



WRITTEN FOR HER NIECE S. K. 



Sweetest ! if thy fairy hand 
Culls for me the latest flowers, 

Smiling hear me thus demand 
Blessings for thy early hours : 

Be thy promised spring as bright 
As its opening charms foretel ; 

Graced with Beauty's lovely light, 
Modest Virtue's dearer spell. 

Be thy summer's matron bloom 

Blest with blossoms sweet like thee ; 

May no tempest's sudden doom 
Blast thy hope's fair nursery ! 



267 

May thine autumn calm, serene, 
Never want some lingering flower, 

Which Affection's hand may glean, 

Though the darkling mists may lower ! 

Sunshine cheer thy wintry day, 

Tranquil conscience, peace, and love ; 

And thy wintry nights display 
Streams of glorious light above. 



268 



TO FORTUNE. 



FROM METASTASIO. 



Unstable Goddess ! why, with care severe, 

Still dost thou strew with thorns my rugged path ? 
Think'st thou I tremble at thy frowns ? or e'er 

Will c ouch submissive to avert thy wrath ? 
Preserve thy threats for thine unhappy slaves, 

The shuddering victims of thy treacherous power ; 
My soul, thou knowest, amid o'erwhelming waves, 

Shall smile superior in the roughest hour. 
With me as oft as thou wouldest proudly wage 

The combat urged by thy malicious ire, 
Full well thou knowest, that from thy baffled rage 

My soul has seemed fresh vigour to acquire ; 
So the bright steel beneath the hammer's blows 
More polished, more refined, and keener grows. 






269 



THE PICTURE, 



WRITTEN FOR ANGELA. 



Yes, these are the features already imprest 
So deep by the pencil of Love on my heart ! 

Within their reflection they find in this breast : 
Yet something is wanting : ah ! where is the art 
That to painting so true can that something impart ? 

Oh ! where is the sweetness that dwells on that lip ? 
And where is the smile that enchanted my soul ? 

No sweet dew of love from these roses I sip* 

Nor meet the soft glance which with magic control 
O'er the chords of my heart so bewitchingly stole. 



270 



Cold, cold is that eye ! unimpassioned its beams ; 
They speak not of tenderness, love, or delight : 

Oh ! where is the heart-thrilling rapture that streams 
From the heavenly blue of that circle so bright, 
That sunshine of pleasure which gladdened my sight ? 

Yet come to my bosom, O image adored ! 

And, sure, thou shalt feel the soft flame of my hearty 
The glow sympathetic once more be restored, 

Once more it shall warm thee, ah, cold as thou art ! 

And to charms so beloved its own feelings impart ! 

Oh, come !^and while others his form may behold, 
And he on another with fondness may smile, 

To thee shall my wrongs, shall my sorrows be told, 
And the kiss I may give thee, these sorrows the while, 
Like the memory of joys which are past, shall beguile. 



271 

THE SHAWI/S PETITION, 

TO LADY ASGILL. 



Oh, fairer than the fairest forms 
Which the bright sun of Persia warms, 
Though nymphs of Cashmire lead the dance 
With pliant grace, and beamy glance ; 
And forms of beauty ever play 
Around the bowers of Moselay ; 
Fairest ! thine ear indulgent lend, 
And to thy suppliant Shawl attend ! 

If, well content, I left for thee 
Those bowers beyond the Indian sea. 
And native, fragrant fields of rose 
Exchanged for Hyperborean snows ; 
If, from those vales of soft perfume, 
Pride of Tibet's far-boasted loom, 



272 

I came, well pleased, thy form to deck, 
And, from thy bending polished neck 
Around thy graceful shoulders flung, 
With many an untaught beauty clung, 
Or added to thy brilliant zone 
A charm that Venus well might own, 
Or, fondly twined, in many a fold 
To shield those lovely limbs from cold, 
Fairest ! thine ear indulgent lend, 
And to thy suppliant Shawl attend. 

Oh ! by those all-attractive charms, 
Thy slender foot, thine ivory arms ; 
By the quick glances of thine eyes, 
By all that I have seen thee prize ; 
Oh ! doom me not in dark disgrace, 
An exile from Sophia's face, 
To waste my elegance of bloom 
In sick and melancholy gloom ; 
Condemned no more in Beauty's train 
To hear the viol's sprightly strain, 



273 

Or woo the amorous zephyr's play 
Beneath the sunbeam's vernal ray ; 
Banished alike from pleasure's scene, 
And lovely Nature's charms serene, 
Oh, fairest ! doom me not to know 
How hard it is from thee to go ! 

But if my humble suit be vain, 
If destined to attend on pain, 
My joyless days in one dull round, 
To one eternal sopha bound, 
Shut from the breath of heaven most pure, 
Must pass in solitude obscure ; 
At least, to cheat these weary hours, 
Appear with all thy gladdening powers, 
Restore thy sweet society, 
And bless at once thy friend and me. 



274 



TO THE 

COUNTESS OF CHARLEMONT, 

IN RETURN FOR HER PRESENTS OF FLOWERS, 

March, 1808. 



Yes, though the sullen east-wind storm, 
And sunless skies the Spring deform, 
The lovely Nina's graceful hand 
Can, like a fairy's lily wand, 
Bid every vernal sweet appear, 
And bloom with early fragrance here ! 
Yes, here, even here, they breathe perfume, 
Though walls of melancholy gloom, 
With northern aspect frowning rude, 
Each brighter beam of Heaven exclude. 
Behold ! at Nina's soft command, 
The flowers their velvet leaves expand, 



275 

And sweet, and blue like her own eye, 

(That loves in languid peace to lie, 

And bending beautiful in shade, 

Seems of the amorous light afraid,) 

Fresh violets here their charms diffuse, 

And here, with richly mingling hues, 

The gold and purple crocus vie 

To mock the pomp of majesty. 

See how her soul-bewitching smile 

Can even selfish love beguile ! 

While fair Narcissus bends no more 

His snowy beauties to adore, 

But lifts for once his cups of gold 

A fairer image to behold. 

Dear Nina ! teach a grateful heart 

Thine own persuasive, winning art ; 

So might I best my thanks commend, 

So please each kind, each cherished friend ! 

For, as thy hand with smiling flowers 

Hath crowned the lingering wintry hour«, 



276 

Even thus for me Affection's care 
Hath sheltered from the nipping air 
The tender buds of half-chilled hope, 
That seemed in withering gloom to droop, 
And bid them bloom, revived again, 
In spite of years, and grief, and pain. 
O'er me Affection loves to shed 
Her comforts full, unmeasured ; 
To bless my smiling hearth she sends 
The dearer smile of dearest friends, 
And bids my prison couch assume 
No form of pain, no air of gloom ; 
But sweet content and cheerful ease, 
All that in solitude can please, 
And all that soothing, social love 
Can bid its quiet favourites prove, 
Wooed by the voice of tenderness, 
Unite my happy home to bless. 
As round that lovely pictured wreath 
Where Rubens bid his pencil breathe, 



277 

Where, touched with all its magic power, 
Glow the rich colours of each flower, 
Attendant cherubs sweetly join, 
And all their odorous wings entwine ; 
One cherub guards each blushing flower, 
And pure ambrosia seems to shower : 
So, Nina, o'er each peaceful day 
Protecting love and kindness play, 
And shed o'er each some balmy pleasure 
That grateful Memory loves to treasure ! 



278 

WRITTEN AT WEST-ASTON, 

June, 1808. 



Yes, I remember the dear suffering saint, 

Whose hand, with fond, commemorative care, 

Planted that myrtle on my natal day. 

It was a day of joy to him she loved 

Best upon earth ; — and still her gentle heart, 

That never felt one passion's eager throb, 

Nor aught but quiet joys, and patient woes, 

Was prompt to sympathize with all ; and most 

With that beloved brother. — She had hoped 

Perchance, that, fondly on his arm reclined 

In placid happiness, her feeble step 

Might here have wandered through these friendly shades, 

This hospitable seat of kindred worth : 

And that the plant, thus reared, in future years 

Might win his smile benignant, when her hand 



270 



Siwuld point where, in its bower of loveliness, 

Bright spreading to the sun its fragrant leaf, 

His Mary's myrtle bloomed. — Ah me ! 'tis sad 

When sweet Affection thus designs in vain, 

And sees the fragile web it smiling spun 

In playful love, crushed by the sudden storm, 

And swept to dark oblivion, 'mid the wreck 

Of greater hopes ! — Even while she thought of bliss, 

Already o'er that darling brother's head 

The death-commissioned angel noiseless waved 

His black and heavy wings : and though she mourned 

That stroke, in pious sorrow, many a year, 

Yet, even then, the life-consuming shaft 

In her chaste breast she uncomplaining bore. 

Now, both at rest, in blessed peacefulness, 

With no impatient hope, regret, or doubt, 

Await that full completion of the bliss 

Which their more perfect spirits shall receive. 

Fair blossomed her young tree, effusing sweet 

Its aromatic breath ; for other eyes 

Blushed the soft-folded buds, and other hands 



280 



Pruned its luxuriant branches : Friendship still 

Preserved the fond memorial ; nay, even yet 

Would fain preserve with careful tenderness 

The blighted relic of what once it loved. 

Hard were the wintry hours felt even here 

Amid these green protecting walls, and late 

The timid Spring, oft chilled and rudely checked, 

At last unveiled her tenderest charms, and smiled 

With radiant blushes on her amorous train : 

But no reviving gale, no fruitful dew, 

Visits the brown parched leaf, or from the stem, 

The withering stem, elicits the young shoots 

With hopes of life and beauty ; yet thy care 

Perhaps, dear Sydney, thine assiduous care 

May save it still. What can resist the care 

Of fond, assiduous love ? Oh ! it can raise 

The shuddering soul, though sunk beneath the black, 

Suspended pall of death ! Believe this lip, 

Believe this grateful heart, which best can feel 

The life-restoring power of watchful love. 



281 



BRYAN BYRNE, 

OF GLENMALURE. 



Bright shines the morn o'er Carickmure, 
And silvers every mountain stream ; 

The autumnal woods on Glenmalure 
Look lovely in the slanting beam. 

And hark ! the cry, the cry of joy, 

The hounds spring o'er yon heathy brow !■ 

" 'Tis but the hunter's horn, my boy, 
No death-tongued bugle scares us now." 

In vain the widowed mother smiled, 
And clasped her darling to her breast ; 

Horror and rage o'er all the child 
A manly beauty strange impressed. 



282 

Fierce rolled his eye, of heaven's own hue, 
And the quick blood strong passions told, 

As fresh the breeze of morning blew 
From his clear brow the locks of gold. 

'Tis not alone the horn so shrill ; 

Yon martial plume that waves on high, 

Bids every infant nerve to thrill 
With more than infant agony. 

Yet gentle was the soldier's heart, 

Whom 'mid the gallant troop he spied, 

Who let the gallant troop depart, 

And checked his eager courser's pride. 

" What fears the child ?" he wondering cried, 
With courteous air as near he drew. 

" Soldier, away ! my father died, 

Murdered by men of blood like you." 



283 

Even while the angry cherub speaks. 
He struggles from the stranger's grasp : 

Kissing the tears that bathed her cheeks, 
His little arms his mother clasp. 

" And who are these, — this startled pair, 
Who swift down Glenmalure are fled ? 

Behold the mother's maniac air, 

As seized with wild and sudden dread !"* 



" 'Tis Ellen Byrne," an old man cried ; 

cc Poor Ellen, and her orphan boy P 
Then turned his silvered brow aside, 

To shun the youth's enquiring eye. 



" And is there none to guard the child, 
Save that lone frenzied widow's hand ? 

These rocky heights, these steep woods wild, 
Sure some more watchful eye demand." 



284 



" Ah, well he knows each rock, each wood, 
The mountain goat not more secure ; 

And he was born to hardships rude, 
The orphan Byrne of Carickmure. 



" That boy had seen his father's blood, 
Had heard his murdered father's groan ; 

And never more in playful mood 

With smiles his infant beauty shone." 

Sad was the pitying stranger's eye : 

" Too well," said he, tC I guess the truth ; 

His father, sure, was doomed to die, 
Some poor deluded rebel youth." 

" No rebel he," with eye inflamed, 

And cheek that glowed with transient fire, 

Roused to a sudden warmth, exclaimed 
The hapless Ellen's aged sire. 



285 

« He did not fall in Tarah's fight. 

No blood of his the Curragh stains, 
Where many a ghost that moans by night 

Of foully broken faith complains. 

" He triumphed not that fatal day, 
When every loyal cheek looked pale, 

But heard, like us, with sad dismay, 
Of fallen chiefs in Clough's dark vale. 

" For, wedded to our Ellen's love, 

One house was ours, one hope, one soul : 

Though fierce malignant parties strove, 
No party rage could love control. 

" Though we were sprung from British race, 

And his was Erin's early pride, 
Yet matched in every loveliest grace, 

No priest could e'er their hearts divide. 



286 

" What though no yeoman's arms he bore ; 

'Twas party hate that hope forbad : 
What though no martial dress he wore, 

That dress no braver bosom clad. 



" And had our gallant Bryan Byrne 
Been welcomed to their loyal band, 

Home might I still in joy return 
The proudest father in the land. 

" For, ah ! when Bryan Byrne was slain, 
With him my brave, my beauteous son 

His precious life-blood shed in vain ;- — 
The savage work of death was done !" . 



He ceased : for now, by memory stung, 
His heart's deep wounds all freshly bled, 

While with a father's anguish wrung, 
He bowed to earth his aged head. 



287 

Yet soothing to his broken heart 
He felt the stranger's sympathy, 

And age is ready to impart 
Its page of woe to pity's eye. 

Yes ! it seemed sweet once more to dwell 
On social joys and peaceful days, 

And still his darling's virtues tell, 
And still his Ellen's beauty praise. 

" But say," at length exclaimed the youth, 
" Did no one rash, rebellious deed 

E'er cloud thy Bryan's loyal truth, 
And justice doom thy boy to bleed ?" 

M No ; never rash, rebellious deed 
Was his, nor rash rebellious word ; 

That day of slaughter saw him bleed, 
Where blushing Justice dropped the sword. 



288 

" In Fury's hand it madly raged, 
As urged by fierce revenge she flew ; 

With unarmed Innocence she waged 
Such war as Justice never knew. 



" 'Twas ours, (the sorrowing father cried,) 
'Twas ours to mourn the crimes of all : 

Each night some loyal brother died ; 
Each morn beheld some victim fall. 



" Oh, 'twas a sad and fearful day 
That saw my gallant boys laid low ; 

The voice of anguish and dismay 

Proclaimed full many a widow's woe ! 



u But doubly o'er our fated house 
The accursed hand of Murder fell, 

And ere our Ellen wept her spouse r - 
She had a dreadful tale to tell ! 



289 

cc For early on that guilty morn 

The voice of Horror reached our ears ; 

That, from their thoughtless slumber torn, 
Before a helpless sister's tears, 

" Beneath their very mother's sight 
Three youthful brothers butchered He, 

Three loyal yeomen brave in fight, 
Butchered by savage treachery. 

" They were my nephews ; boys I loved, 
My own brave boys alone more dear ; 

Their rashness oft my heart reproved, 
And marked their daring zeal with fear. 



" They were my widowed sister's joy ; 

Her hope in age and dark distress ; 
And Ellen loved each gallant boy 

Even with a sister's tenderness. 



290 

" It was from Ellen's lips I heard 

The tidings sadly, surely true : 
To me, ere yet the dawn appeared, 

All pale with fear and grief she flew. 

" Roused by her call, with her I sought 

The sad abode of misery : 
But to the wretched mother brought 

No comfort, but our sympathy. 

" On the cold earth, proud Sorrow's throne, 

In silent majesty of woe^ 
She sat, and felt herself alone, 

Though loud the increasing tumults grow. 



" In throngs the assembled country came, 
And every hand was armed with death : 

Revenge ! revenge ! (they all exclaim,) 
Spare no suspected traitor's breath : 



291 

" No ; let not one escape who owns 
The faith of Rome, of treachery : 

This loyal blood for vengeance groans, 
And signal vengeance let there be ! 

u What, shall we feel the coward blow, 
And tamely wait a late defence ? 

No ; let us strike the secret foe, 

Even through the breast of innocence ! 

" Poor Ellen trembled as they raved ; 

Her pallid cheek forgot its tears ; 
While from the hand of fury saved, 

Her infant darling scarce appears. 

" I saw her earnest searching eye, 
In that dark moment of alarm, 

Ask, in impatient agony, 

A brother's dear, protecting arm. 



292 

" Woe ! bitter woe, to me and mine I 
Too well his brave, his feeling heart 

Already could her fears divine, 

And more than bear a brother's part. 

" When the first savage blast he knew 
Would bid each deadly bugle roar, 

Back to our home of peace he flew : 
All, home of peace and love no more I 



" Oh ! would to God that I had died 
Beneath my wretched sister's roof! 

Thus heaven in mercy had denied 
To my worst fears their utmost proof. 



" So had these eyes been spared a sight 
That wrings my soul with anguish still, 

Nor known how much of life, ere night, 
The blood-hounds of revenge could spill. 



293 

* s Sinking at once with fear and age, 
Her father's steps my child upheld ; 

The mingled victims of their rage 
Each moment shuddering we beheld. 



" Down yon steep side of Carickmure, 
Our rugged path we homeward wound ; 

And saw, at least, that home secure, 
'Mid many a smoking ruin round. 

" Low in the glen our cottage lies 

Behind yon dusky copse of oak : 
On its white walls we fixed our eyes, 

But not one word poor Ellen spoke ! 

" We came .... the clamour scarce was o'er, 
The fiends scarce left their work of death : — 

But never spoke our Bryan more, 
Nor Ellen caught his latest breath. 



294 

" Still to the corse by horror joined, 
The shrinking infant closely clung, 

And fast his little arms intwined, 

As round the bleeding neck he hung. 

" Oh, sight of horror, sight of woe ! 

The dead and dying both were there 
One dreadful moment served to show, 

For us was nothing but despair. 



" Oh, God ! even now methinks I see 
My dying boy, as there he stood, 

And sought with fond anxiety 

To hide his gushing wounds of blood. 



" Ere life yet left his noble breast, 
Gasping, again he tried to speak, 

And twice my hand he feebly pressed, 
And feebly kissed poor Ellen's cheek. 



295 

" No word she spoke, no tear she shed, 
Ere at my feet convulsed she fell, 

Still lay my children, cold and dead ! 
And I yet live, the tale to tell ! 

'* She too awoke to wild despair, 
With frenzied eye each corse to see, 

To rave, to smile with frantic air ; 
But never more to smile for me ! 



" But hold ! from yonder grassy slope 
Our orphan darling calls me hence : 

Sweet child, last relic of our hope, 
Of love and injured innocence. 



66 Soldier, farewel ! To thee should power 
Commit the fate of lives obscure, 

Remember still in fury's hour 

The murdered youths of Glenmalure. 



296 

" And chief, if civil broils return, 
Though vengeance urge to waste, destroy ; 

Ah ! pause ! . . . . think then on Bryan Byrne, 
Poor Ellen, and her orphan boy !* 



297 



IMITATED FROM JEREMIAH.— Chap. xxxi. 
v. 15. 



Hark, the voice of loud lament 

Sounds through Raman's saddened plain ! 
There cherished grief, there pining discontent, 

And desolation reign. 

There, 'mid her weeping train, 
See Rachel for her children mourn 

Disconsolate, forlorn ! 

The comforter she will not hear, 
And from his soothing strains she hopeless turns her ear. 

Daughter of affliction, peace, 

Let, at last, thy sorrows cease, 

Wipe thy sadly streaming eye, 

Look up, behold thy children nigh : 



298 

Lo ! thy vows have all been heard, 

See how vainly thou hast feared ! 

See, from the destroyer's land 

Comes the loved, lamented band ; 

Free from all their conquered foes 

Glorious shall they seek repose ; 

Surest hope for thee remains, 

Smile at all thy former pains ; 

Joy shall with thy children come, 

And all thy gladdened bowers shall bloom. 



299 



HAGAR IN THE DESERT. 



Injured, hopeless, faint, and weary, 
Sad, indignant, and forlorn, 

Through the desert wild and dreary, 
Hagar leads the child of scorn. 

Who can speak a mother's anguish, 
Painted in that tearless eye, 

Which beholds her darling languish, 
Languish unrelieved, and die. 



Lo ! the empty pitcher fails her, 
Perishing with thirst he lies, 

Death with deep despair assails her, 
Piteous as for aid he cries, 



300 

From the dreadful image flying, 
Wild she rushes from the sight ; 

In the agonies of dying 

Can she see her soul's delight ? 



Now bereft of every hope, 

Cast upon the burning ground, 

Poor, abandoned soul ! look up, 
Mercy have thy sorrows found. 



Lo ! the Angel of the Lord 
Comes thy great distress to cheer ; 

Listen to the gracious word, 
See divine relief is near. 



" Care of Heaven ! though man forsake thee, 
Wherefore vainly dost thou mourn ? 

From thy dream of woe awake thee, 
To thy rescued child return. 



301 

m Lift thine eyes, behold yon fountain, 
Sparkling 'mid those fruitful trees ; 

Lo ! beneath yon sheltering mountain 
Smile for thee green bowers of ease. 



" In the hour of sore affliction 
God hath seen and pitied thee ; 

Cheer thee in the sweet conviction, 
Thou henceforth his care shalt be. 



" Be no more by doubts distressed, 

Mother of a mighty race ! 
By contempt no more oppressed, 

Thou hast found a resting place ." — 



Thus from peace and comfort driven, 
Thou, poor soul, all desolate, 

Hopeless lay, till pitying Heaven 
Found thee, in thy abject state. 



302 

O'er thy empty pitcher mourning 
'Mid the desert of the world ; 

Thus, with shame and anguish burning, 
From thy cherished pleasures hurled : 

See thy great deliverer nigh, 

Calls thee from thy sorrow vain, 

Bids thee on his love rely, 
Bless the salutary pain. 

From thine eyes the mists dispelling, 
Lo ! the well of life he shews, 

In his presence ever dwelling, 
Bids thee find thy true repose. 



Future prospects, rich in blessing, 
Open to thy hopes secure ; 

Sure of endless joys possessing, 
Of an heavenly kingdom sure. 



303 

THE LILY. 

May, 1809. 



How withered, perished seems the form 
Of yon obscure unsightly root ! 

Yet from the blight of wintry storm, 
It hides secure the precious fruit. 

The careless eye can find no grace, 
No beauty in the scaly folds, 

Nor see within the dark embrace 
What latent loveliness it holds. 



Yet in that bulb, those sapless scales, 
The lily wraps her silver vest, 

Till vernal suns and vernal gales 

Shall kiss once more her fragrant breast. 



304 

Yes, hide beneath the mouldering heap, 
The undelighting slighted thing ; 

There in the cold earth buried deep, 
In silence let it wait the spring. 

Oh ! many a stormy night shall close 
In gloom upon the barren earth, 

While still, in undisturbed repose, 
Uninjured lies the future birth ; 

And Ignorance, with sceptic eye, 

Hope's patient smile shall wondering view 
Or mock her fond credulity, 

As her soft tears the spot bedew. 



Sweet smile of hope, delicious tear ! 

The sun, the shower indeed shall come ; 
The promised verdant shoot appear, 

And Nature bid her blossoms bloom. 



* 305 

And thou, O virgin Queen of Spring ! 

Shalt, from thy dark and lowly bed, 
Bursting thy green sheath's silken string, 

Unveil thy charms, and perfume shed ; 

Unfold thy robes of purest white, 

Unsullied from their darksome grave, 

And thy soft petals 1 silvery light 
In the mild breeze unfettered wave. 



So Faith shall seek the lowly dust 
Where humble Sorrow loves to lie, 

And bid her thus her hopes entrust, 
And watch with patient, cheerful eye ; 



And bear the long, cold, wintry night, 
And bear her own degraded doom, 

And wait till Heaven's reviving light, 
Eternal Spring ! shall burst the gloom, 
x 



306 



SONNET WRITTEN AT WOODSTOCK, 

IN THE COUNTY OF KILKENNY, 

THE SEAT OF WILLIAM TIGHE, 
June 30, 1809. 



Sweet, pious Muse ! whose chastely graceful form 
Delighted oft amid these shades to stray, 
To their loved master breathing many a lay 

Divinely soothing ; oh ! be near to charm 

For me the languid hours of pain, and warm 
This heart depressed with one inspiring ray 
From such bright visions as were wont to play 

Around his favoured brow, when, to disarm 

The soul-subduing powers of mortal ill, 

Thy soft voice lured him " to his ivyed seat,"" 

" His classic roses," or " his heathy hill ;" 

Or by yon " trickling fount 1 ' delayed his feet 

Beneath his own dear oaks, when, present still, 

The melodies of Heaven thou didst unseen repeat. 



307 



ON RECEIVING A BRANCH OF MEZEREON, 

WHICH FLOWERED AT WOODSTOCK. 

December, 1809. 



Odours of Spring, my sense ye charm 

With fragrance premature ; 
And, 'mid these days of dark alarm, 

Almost to hope allure. 
Methinks with purpose soft ye come 

To tell of brighter hours, 
Of May's blue skies, abundant bloom, 

Her sunny gales and showers. 



Alas ! for me shall May in vain 

The powers of life restore ; 
These eyes that weep and watch in pain 

Shall see her charms no more. 



308 

No, no, this anguish cannot last ! 

Beloved friends, adieu ! 
The bitterness of death were past, 

Could I resign but you. 



But oh ! in every mortal pang 

That rends my soul from life, 
That soul, which seems on you to hang 

Through each convulsive strife, 
Even now, with agonizing grasp 

Of terror and regret, 
To all in life its love would clasp 

Clings close and closer yet 



Yet why, immortal, vital spark ! 

Thus mortally opprest ? 
Look up, my soul, through prospects dark. 

And bid thy terrors rest ; 



309 

Forget, forego thy earthly part, 
Thine heavenly being trust : — 

Ah, vain attempt ! my coward heart 
Still shuddering clings to dust. 



Oh ye ! who sooth the pangs of death 

With lovers own patient care, 
Still, still retain this fleeting breath, 

Still pour the fervent prayer : — 
And ye, whose smile must greet my eye 

No more, nor voice my ear, 
Who breathe for me the tender sigh, 

And shed the pitying tear, 



Whose kindness (though far far removed) 
My grateful thoughts perceive, 

Pride of my life, esteemed, beloved, 
My last sad claim receive ! 



310 

Oh ! do not quite your friend forget, 

Forget alone tier faults ; 
And speak of her with fond regret 

Who asks your lingering thoughts. 



311 



The concluding poem of this collection was the last ever com' 
posed by the author, ivho expired at the place ivhere it was 
■written, after six years of protracted malady, on the 24th 
of March, 1810, i n ine thirty-seventh year of her age. 
Her fears of death were perfectly removed before she quitted 
this scene of trial and suffering ; and her spirit departed 
to a better state of existence, confiding with heavenly joy 
in the acceptance and love of her Redeemer, 



If on this earth she passed, in mortal guise, 
A short and painful pilgrimage, shall we 
Her sad survivors grieve, that Love divine 
Removed her timely to perpetual bliss ? 
Thou art not lost ! — in chastest song and pure 
With us still lives thy virtuous mind, and seems 
A beacon for the weary soul, to guide 
Her safely through Affection's winding path, 
To that eternal mansion gained by thee ! 

W. T. 



T. DAVISON, Lombaid-etreel 
Whitefriars. 






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